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Entry Level Motion Graphics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Motion Graphics information

See California salary details

$14

$36

$67

How much do entry level motion graphics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level motion graphics in California is $36.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $41.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Motion Graphics job?

An Entry Level Motion Graphics job involves creating animated visuals, text, and effects for videos, advertisements, social media, or other digital content. Professionals in this role use software like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to bring designs to life. Responsibilities may include designing animations, editing video clips, and collaborating with designers or marketing teams. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of motion principles are essential. This position is ideal for recent graduates or beginners looking to gain experience in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Motion Graphics position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Motion Graphics professional, you need a solid grasp of design principles, animation basics, and a relevant educational background, such as a degree or coursework in graphic design or digital media. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator is typically required, along with a portfolio showcasing your work. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills are important soft skills that help you excel. These abilities ensure you can effectively create engaging visual content that meets client or team objectives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

What are some typical responsibilities for an Entry Level Motion Graphics professional on a creative team?

Entry Level Motion Graphics professionals often support more senior designers by creating animated graphics, preparing assets, and handling revisions based on client or team feedback. Daily tasks may include designing motion elements for videos, assisting with storyboarding, and rendering animations for digital campaigns or social media. You'll regularly collaborate with video editors, graphic designers, and marketing teams, ensuring your work aligns with brand guidelines and project goals. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced creative environment, preparing you for more advanced motion graphics positions as you develop your skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Graphics jobs in California? The most popular types of Motion Graphics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Motion Graphics jobs in California? For Entry Level Motion Graphics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Motion Graphics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Motion Graphics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Motion Graphics jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Motion Graphics job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Motion Graphics job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,631 per year, or $36.4 per hour.
Junior Crowd Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Junior Crowd Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 48 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Junior Crowd Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10148132

Job Description:

Position Summary


The Junior Crowd TD is responsible for supporting the creative and technical development of crowd simulations for a production. Using both off-the-shelf and proprietary tools, they help populate large-scale environments such as cities, stadiums and battle sequences. Working with hero crowd assets, they follow direction from the Crowd Supervisor to assist with shot work, troubleshoot pipeline issues, and maintain non-hero crowd assets.

At ILM, we strive to be an inclusive environment, and we are committed to considering promising individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences for this position.

What You'll Do
  • Choreograph the motion and behaviour of crowds in entry level shots, meeting the artistic direction of the show supervisor.

  • Manage the motions and cycles used on a show, including creating blending cycles.

  • Assist in developing efficient workflows within Houdini, including creating and modifying internal HDAs.

  • Creatively use existing motion and character variations to create visual diversity within a crowd.

  • Assist the crowd team to troubleshoot technical issues within Houdini and the wider pipeline.

  • Work with production and supervisors to meet the show's deadlines.

  • Communicate with artists across disciplines to work effectively as part of the wider show team.

  • Attend dailies to present your work and receive feedback from the show supervisor.

  • Collaborate within the crowd team, sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of the department.

What We're Looking For
  • At least 2 years of relevant VFX experience with a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Traditional Animation, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Engineering, and related fields; OR at least 3 years of relevant professional VFX experience.

  • Strong knowledge of Houdini Software and workflows.

  • Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic challenges.

  • In-depth understanding of cinematic principles and composition.

  • Experience working with motion capture and/or clip-based animation.

  • Proficiency with Linux.

  • Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal).

  • Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines whilst maintaining a high quality output.

Nice to have:
  • Proficiency scripting in Vex and/or Python.

  • Strong understanding of Houdini input/output pipeline.

  • Experience with cloth/hair simulation.

  • Working knowledge of Maya and rigging.

  • Keen eye for how crowds flock and move.

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $67,900 to $86,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Crowds - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-04-08

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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