ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Animator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Brea, CA · On-site

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

Brea, CA

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

Folsom, CA · On-site

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

Folsom, CA · On-site

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Life Time, Inc.

Pickleball Pro

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Life Time

Pickleball Pro

San Clemente, CA

$15/hr

HS Graduate or Equivalent Years of Experience: * 1-2 Years Licenses / Certifications / Registrations: * Within 6 months of hire must completed one of the following certifications: International ...

Sweatpals

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Currently enrolled in an MBA, master's, or other graduate program - or a strong undergraduate ...

Sweatpals

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Currently enrolled in an MBA, master's, or other graduate program - or a strong undergraduate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Animator JobsGraduate Animator Jobs in California

Graduate Animator information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do graduate animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate animator in California is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 30 too late to become a graduate animator?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a graduate animator. Many individuals start or switch careers later in life, and success depends on acquiring relevant skills such as proficiency in animation software like Adobe After Effects or Blender, and building a strong portfolio. Employers value skills and experience over age, so starting at 30 can still lead to a successful career in animation.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate animator expect in their first role?

As a Graduate Animator, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks, such as creating character animations, developing storyboards, refining motion graphics, or assisting with visual effects for TV shows, commercials, games, or online content. Entry-level roles often involve collaborating closely with senior animators, designers, and other creative professionals to support larger projects and learn best practices. You may also participate in team meetings, present your ideas, and revise your work based on constructive feedback. This hands-on experience helps build your professional portfolio and deepens your understanding of industry workflows, positioning you for future career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate animator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation fundamentals, creative storytelling, and a relevant degree or diploma in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom is typically required, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating your work. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you excel in collaborative production environments. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations, meeting project deadlines, and integrating feedback from clients and team members.

What is a graduate animator?

A Graduate Animator is an entry-level role for recent graduates looking to start a career in animation. They typically assist in creating animations, storyboarding, and refining character movements under the guidance of senior animators. This role provides hands-on experience with industry-standard software and workflows while developing key skills in 2D or 3D animation. Graduate Animators often work in film, television, advertising, or gaming companies. It's a great opportunity to build a portfolio and gain industry exposure for future career growth.

What can I do with a degree in animation?

A degree in animation prepares graduates for roles such as animator, character designer, story artist, or visual effects artist in industries like film, television, gaming, and advertising. It provides skills in software tools like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, and often requires a strong portfolio and understanding of storytelling and design principles.

Is there a high demand for graduate animators?

The demand for graduate animators remains steady as the entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries continue to grow, requiring fresh talent with skills in animation software like Adobe After Effects and Maya. Entry-level positions are available, but competition can be strong, and building a strong portfolio is important for securing jobs in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Animator jobs in California? For Graduate Animator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Animator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Animator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Animator jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Animator job openings:
Graduate Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Animator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist

Pixar Animation Studios

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$113K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Pixar Animation Studios is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to conduct world-class research in computer graphics and AI for movie productions. This role involves bridging academic research with practical applications, leading innovation projects, and collaborating with various production teams.
Responsibilities:
• Research & Innovation: Identify and solve complex graphics/AI problems; design, develop, and deploy scalable algorithms and prototype software.
• Production Collaboration: Work directly with artists, technical directors, and engineers to address real-world production challenges under tight deadlines.
• Leadership & Publication: Lead research projects, publish results in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., SIGGRAPH), and maintain Pixar’s presence in the global research community.
• Strategy: Stay current on emerging technologies and provide recommendations for studio adoption.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Demonstrated leadership in the computer graphics or closely related research communities
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, or a related field
• 7+ years of post-graduate research experience in academia or industry R&D
• Sustained history of original research and publications in top-tier forums (ACM SIGGRAPH, CVPR, NeurIPS) and recognized leadership in the field
• Deep expertise in at least one area of graphics/AI, solid coding skills, and the ability to analyze cutting-edge technologies
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across diverse roles (artists to executives)
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently and within a team
• Strong presentation and technical writing capabilities
• Commitment to diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation
Company:
Pixar Animation Studios is a group charged with developing state-of-the-art computer technology for the film industry. It is a sub-organization of The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 1986, the company is headquartered in Emeryville, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Apply