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Motion Capture Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Strong Camera, Character Animation, and Motion Capture editing skills. * Proficient in animating stylized character animation. * Strong communication skills in client-facing situations, including but ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

Virtuos Corporation

Management Trainee

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... and motion-capture animation. As a member studio of Virtuos, CounterPunch can provide a full range of services in 3D art and game development services to our clients, on top of our animation ...

New

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Evolving animation systems and workflows, including thoughtful use of motion capture, keyframe techniques, and external partnerships. * Guiding and reviewing external animation partners, maintaining ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Evolving animation systems and workflows, including thoughtful use of motion capture, keyframe techniques, and external partnerships. * Guiding and reviewing external animation partners, maintaining ...

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All JobsMotion Capture Animation JobsMotion Capture Animation Jobs in California

Motion Capture Animation information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do motion capture animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion capture animation 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.

What is the difference between Motion Capture Animation vs Character Animator?

AspectMotion Capture AnimationCharacter Animator
Required CredentialsOften requires knowledge of motion capture systems, animation software, and sometimes specialized certificationsRequires skills in animation software, storytelling, and character rigging, with some familiarity with motion capture data
Work EnvironmentStudio settings with motion capture suits and equipment, often collaborativeDesktop-based, working with animation software, sometimes in a studio or remote
Industry UsageUsed in film, video games, and VR to create realistic character movementsUsed in film, TV, and game development for character animation and performance

Motion Capture Animation focuses on capturing real actor movements using specialized equipment, translating them into digital animations. Character Animators create performances manually or refine motion capture data to animate characters. While both roles involve character animation, motion capture specialists work primarily with physical data capture, whereas character animators focus on artistic interpretation and manual animation techniques.

Does Disney hire 2D animators?

Disney primarily hires 2D animators for traditional animation projects, especially for legacy and specialized productions. However, the company has shifted focus toward 3D animation and CGI, so opportunities for 2D animation roles are more limited and often involve specialized skills in traditional techniques and software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.

How do motion capture animators typically collaborate with directors and actors during a production?

Motion capture animators work closely with directors and actors to ensure movements are accurately captured and match the creative vision of the project. Animators often attend rehearsals, provide feedback on performance capture, and help set up technical equipment. They collaborate with directors to discuss shot composition and storytelling, while guiding actors on how to perform for optimal data capture. This collaborative process ensures that the final animation integrates seamlessly with the project's artistic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Motion Capture Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motion Capture Animator, you need expertise in animation principles, an understanding of human movement, and a background in computer graphics or a related field. Proficiency with motion capture software (such as Vicon, OptiTrack, or MotionBuilder) and familiarity with 3D animation tools like Maya or Blender is essential. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately capturing, refining, and translating real-world performances into compelling digital animations for films, games, and virtual experiences.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A motion capture animator can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with significant experience, strong technical skills, and a portfolio of high-quality work. Success often depends on freelance opportunities, working with major studios, or owning a business, rather than formal education alone.

What is motion capture animation?

Motion capture animation, often called 'mocap,' is a technique used to record the movements of real actors and translate them into digital character animations. This technology uses specialized suits and sensors to capture an actor's motions, which are then mapped onto 3D models in computer graphics software. It's widely used in film, video games, and virtual reality to create realistic and lifelike character movements. Motion capture helps animators save time and achieve a higher level of realism than manual animation alone.

How much do Mocap actors get paid?

Motion Capture (Mocap) actors typically earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, project scope, and union status. Salaries can range from $50,000 to over $150,000 annually for full-time roles, especially for those with specialized skills and certifications in mocap technology and performance capture systems.

How to get a career in motion capture?

To pursue a career in motion capture, develop skills in animation, 3D modeling, and programming, and gain experience with motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon or OptiTrack. A background in computer science, animation, or related fields, along with a strong portfolio and understanding of human movement, can improve job prospects. Internships or entry-level positions in animation studios or game development companies can provide valuable experience.
What are popular job titles related to Motion Capture Animation jobs in California? For Motion Capture Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Capture Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Capture Animation jobs in California are:
Motion Capture Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Capture Animation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. 

Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation and Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:

  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes
Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: 

  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paid One Medical Group membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company

Apply