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How much do pre production animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for pre production animation in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pre Production Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pre Production Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, a solid understanding of storytelling and visual development, and a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Storyboard Pro, and 3D modeling tools is highly valued, and some roles may require formal training or certification in animation. Excellent communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with directors, writers, and production teams. These skills are vital to ensure that the animation vision is clearly realized and production proceeds smoothly from concept to execution.

What is pre-production animation?

Pre-production animation involves planning and creating initial visual concepts for an animation project, including storyboarding, character design, and layout. It sets the foundation for the production phase and requires skills in drawing, storytelling, and often the use of animation software. This stage helps ensure the project's vision is clearly defined before full animation begins.

What is a Pre Production Animation job?

A Pre Production Animation job involves the early stages of creating an animated project, focusing on concept development, storyboarding, character design, and visual style. Artists and designers work closely with directors and writers to establish the creative foundation before full production begins. This phase ensures a clear vision, helping streamline the animation process and reducing potential issues later.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in Pre Production Animation?

Professionals in Pre Production Animation are responsible for visualizing and designing the initial look and feel of an animated project, which includes developing storyboards, concept art, and character designs. They collaborate closely with directors, writers, and other artists to establish the visual tone and narrative flow before full production begins. Daily tasks often involve sketching, pitching ideas, revising artwork based on feedback, and ensuring that the artistic vision aligns with the project's requirements. This collaborative and creative environment allows artists to have a significant impact on the final product and provides valuable experience for future advancement within the animation industry.

Will AI replace animators?

AI is increasingly used to assist pre-production animation tasks such as storyboarding, character design, and motion capture, but it is unlikely to fully replace animators. Human creativity, storytelling, and artistic judgment remain essential in producing high-quality animations, and animators' skills in using AI tools will continue to be valuable. The role is evolving to include working alongside AI technologies to improve efficiency and innovation.

How to get an animation job with no experience?

To get a pre-production animation job with no experience, build a strong portfolio showcasing your skills in drawing, storyboarding, or concept art, and learn industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Toon Boom. Internships, volunteering on projects, or taking relevant courses can also help demonstrate your commitment and develop your skills for entry-level roles.

Is Disney hiring 2D animators?

Disney regularly hires 2D animators for various projects, especially for legacy and specialized animation roles. Candidates typically need strong traditional animation skills, proficiency in software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate, and a strong portfolio. Job openings are posted on Disney's careers website and industry job boards.
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Pre Production Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pre Production Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,008 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Assistant Editor - Features

Assistant Editor - Features

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$2K - $2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Assistant Editor, Feature Animation
The Assistant Editor is responsible for technical and organizational editorial work from pre-production through post production. Assistant Editor is responsible for maintaining an efficient editorial pipeline and assisting editors. This Motion Picture Editors Guild position is covered by the Sony Pictures Animation Agreement.
Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.
Responsibilities:
  • Maintain Avid project and keep files organized.
  • Manage and process storyboards using Flix. Also import layout, animation, and lighting shots.
  • Import, log and prep dialogue recordings for editors: scratch dialogue, production recording sessions and ADR.
  • Ingesting assets from sound dept, music dept, etc, and keeping them organized
  • Output movie files for various uses including turnovers for sound department, digital intermediate, and music departments.
  • Organizing sound effects and music.
  • Assist the editors with Avid builds in preparation for screenings and QC of outputs.
  • Responsible for publishing to production including managing EDLs and change notes.
  • Provide information to production that is timely and accurate.
Qualifications:
  • 1-2 years experience in animation editorial.
  • High degree of proficiency in Avid Media Composer.
  • Excellent organization skills with great attention to detail.
  • Understanding of feature animation pipeline and workflows.
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines while working under tight schedules.
  • Strong teammate with good interpersonal and interpersonal skills.
  • After Effects, Photoshop, ProTools experience a plus.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $2,400/week to $2,800/week. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.
To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.
Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

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