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Motion Graphics Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Checkr

Sr. Designer, Motion Graphics

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$111K - $130K/yr

This role is for someone who pairs design and animation mastery with a systems mindset, makes ... motion graphics/animation * A strong point of view, high craft standards, and the confidence to ...

Sideshow

VFX/Motion Graphics Artist

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Sideshow's Media Team is seeking a Motion Graphics Artist & Editor who handles After Effects like a ... Strong sense of design, composition and timing. * Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. * Expert ...

Aquent

Motion Graphic Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$51.31 - $57.01/hr

Collaborate and execute creative, engaging design and motion that effectively translates the tone ... Strive for consistency in all motion graphic designs, adhering to brand guidelines across all ...

RUN Studios

Motion Designer (7605)

Culver City, CA · On-site

$40 - $54.75/hr

The Motion Designer will support our client's production studios in creating motion graphic design and animation creative for single title marketing campaigns, multi-title brand and streaming ...

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All JobsMotion Graphics Design JobsMotion Graphics Design Jobs in California

Motion Graphics Design information

See California salary details

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How much do motion graphics design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion graphics design 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 motion graphics design?

Motion graphics design is a creative field that combines graphic design and animation to create moving visual content. Motion graphics designers use tools like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to bring static designs to life, often for video, film, advertising, and digital platforms. Their work can include animated titles, explainer videos, logo animations, and infographics. The goal is to use movement, color, and typography to communicate messages effectively and engage audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion graphics designer?

To thrive as a Motion Graphics Designer, you need strong visual storytelling abilities, proficiency in animation principles, and a solid background in graphic design, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Mastery of technical tools such as Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Cinema 4D, and other animation software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help you deliver compelling visuals and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills are crucial for producing impactful motion graphics that engage audiences and meet project objectives.

What are some common challenges motion graphics designers face when working on collaborative projects?

Motion graphics designers often collaborate closely with video editors, animators, and creative directors. A common challenge is ensuring that their visual elements align seamlessly with the broader project vision and timelines. Effective communication is key, as designers must interpret feedback and make revisions while managing tight deadlines. Staying adaptable and open to creative input from various team members helps produce cohesive and impactful final products.

What is the difference between Motion Graphics Design vs Video Editing?

AspectMotion Graphics DesignVideo Editing
Primary FocusCreating animated graphics and visual effectsAssembling and editing video footage
Skills & ToolsAfter Effects, Illustrator, animation techniquesPremiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, timeline editing
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, media companiesFilm sets, post-production houses, media companies
Common CertificationsAdobe Certified Expert, motion design coursesVideo editing certifications, Adobe Premiere certifications

While both roles involve visual storytelling, Motion Graphics Design focuses on creating animated graphics and visual effects, whereas Video Editing involves assembling and refining raw footage into a finished product. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and tools.

How much does a motion graphics designer earn?

The average salary for a motion graphics designer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals with strong skills in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D can earn higher salaries or freelance rates.

What does a motion graphics designer do?

A motion graphics designer creates animated visual content for videos, advertisements, and digital media using software like Adobe After Effects and Illustrator. They develop engaging graphics, titles, and visual effects to communicate messages effectively and often collaborate with clients or creative teams to meet project goals.

What jobs can you get with motion graphics?

Motion graphics skills can lead to roles such as Motion Graphics Designer, Video Editor, Visual Effects Artist, Animation Artist, and Multimedia Designer. These jobs typically require proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere, and may involve working in advertising, film, television, or digital media environments.

What are popular job titles related to Motion Graphics Design jobs in California?

For Motion Graphics Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Motion Graphics Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Motion Graphics Design jobs in California are:

Motion Graphics Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Graphics Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,631 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Sr. Designer, Motion Graphics

Checkr

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$111K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead motion work from concept through final delivery, including storyboards, style frames, animatics, and finished assets for various campaigns and in-product moments.

  • Build motion templates and reusable animation assets, and develop and enforce motion design standards across the organization.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to shape how motion appears across programs and channels, and present design rationale to stakeholders.

Job description

About CheckrCheckr is building the data platform to power safe and fair decisions. Over 140,000 companies and millions of people rely on Checkr for AI verification in the moments that matter most: getting a new job, a new place to live, a car ride, childcare, even a date. Customers include Uber, Pennymac, Airbnb, Doordash, and Anthropic.
We're a team that thrives on solving complex problems with innovative solutions that advance our mission. Checkr is recognized on Forbes Cloud 100 2025 List and is a Y Combinator 2024 Breakthrough Company.
Checkr's Brand Studio is the creative engine behind how the company shows up across every channel and touchpoint. As part of a small, high-craft team supporting a broader marketing organization, the Senior Designer combines strong graphic design fundamentals with motion craft, bringing product stories, brand moments, and complex ideas to life through animation, from campaign videos to in-product motion that scales across teams. This role is for someone who pairs design and animation mastery with a systems mindset, makes decisions informed by customer insight, and can hold the quality bar high across a lot of moving pieces at once.
What you'll do
  • Own motion end-to-end: Lead motion work from concept through final delivery-storyboards, style frames, animatics, and finished assets-across brand campaigns, launch videos, web/digital experiences, and in-product moments (micro-interactions, onboarding), applying expert timing, easing, and visual storytelling with a sharp eye for detail and brand consistency.
  • Motion systems and standards: Build motion templates and reusable animation assets that other teams can confidently work from, and develop and enforce motion design guidelines across the organization
  • Tools and AI-assisted workflow: Work fluently in After Effects, Figma, and Adobe Creative Cloud, and use AI-assisted workflows to accelerate production without compromising craft
  • Cross-functional partnership: Partner with marketing, web development, and product design to shape how motion shows up across programs and channels, and present design rationale clearly to everyone from peers to senior executives
  • Prioritization and ownership: Hold quality high across multiple projects, move with urgency, and take ownership of getting to the right answer even when the brief needs work

What you bring
  • 6+ years of in-house or agency experience with a dedicated focus on design and motion graphics/animation
  • A strong point of view, high craft standards, and the confidence to present and defend your work to stakeholders
  • An outstanding reel or portfolio showing mastery of motion craft, timing, storytelling, and design direction
  • Fluency in After Effects, Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other creative tools of the trade, plus experience using AI-assisted tools to accelerate production
  • A systems-minded approach to building motion templates and reusable assets other teams can rely on
  • Experience developing motion/brand standards and directing contractor or freelance creative work
  • Comfort in fast-moving environments where the brief isn't always perfect
  • An A-player mindset with a strong bias for action: you raise the bar, move with urgency, stay resilient through ambiguity, and take ownership to deliver meaningful outcomes

Pay Transparency Disclosure
We use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop ranges for our roles and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. If this role is remote, we have listed the top to the bottom of the possible range, but we will specify the target range for an exact location when you are selected for a recruiting discussion. For more information on our compensation philosophy, see our website.
On-target Earnings OR Base Salary range (San Francisco, CA)
$111,000-$130,000 USD
What We Offer
  • A fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Learning and development allowance
  • Competitive cash and equity compensation, and opportunity for advancement
  • 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Up to $25K reimbursement for fertility, adoption, and parental planning services
  • Flexible PTO policy
  • Monthly wellness stipend

At Checkr, we believe an in office work environment strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and encourages connection. Our hub locations are Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Nashville, TN; and Santiago, Chile. Individuals are expected to work from the office 3+ days a week. In-office perks are provided, such as lunch five times a week, a commuter stipend, and an abundance of snacks and beverages. A relocation stipend may be available for those willing to relocate to a Checkr hub location.
Equal Employment Opportunities at Checkr
Checkr is committed to building the best product and company, which requires hiring talented and qualified individuals with a diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences. Checkr believes in hiring people of all backgrounds, including those whose histories are impacted by the justice system in accordance with local, state, and/or federal laws, including the San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance.
Applicant Privacy Policy
If you are a California resident or are located in Alberta or British Columbia, our Applicant Privacy Policy applies to our collection and processing of your personal information when you apply for a role with us or otherwise participate in our recruitment process.
*Legitimate Checkr emails will always include our official domain name after the @ symbol (e.g., name@checkr.com or name@ext.checkr.com).

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