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Stop Motion Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Senior Motion Designer & Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Senior Motion Designer & Editor We're looking for a Senior Motion Editor to help tell our stories ... STOP b. STOPALL c. OPTOUT d. CANCEL e. END f. QUIT g. UNSUBSCRIBE h. REVOKE 3. After you opt out ...

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All JobsStop Motion JobsStop Motion Jobs in California

Stop Motion information

See California salary details

$18.6K

$65.4K

$147.9K

How much do stop motion jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for stop motion in California is $65,392.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,741.00 and $82,255.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stop motion?

A Stop Motion job involves creating animation by capturing individual frames of physically manipulated objects, such as puppets, clay figures, or paper cutouts, and then playing them in sequence to create movement. Professionals in this field work in roles like animators, model makers, or directors, often using specialized cameras, lighting, and editing software. These jobs can be found in film, television, advertising, and social media content creation. Attention to detail, patience, and creativity are essential skills for success in stop motion animation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in stop motion, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Stop Motion Animator role, you need a strong background in animation principles, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in design or animation software, often supported by a degree in animation, film, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Dragonframe, Adobe Creative Suite, and camera equipment is highly valued. Creativity, patience, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for managing the iterative and collaborative nature of stop motion projects. These skills ensure the animator can produce high-quality, expressive animations within tight deadlines and collaborative production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by stop motion animators during production?

Stop Motion Animators frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining character consistency frame-to-frame, managing time-consuming manual tasks, and troubleshooting technical difficulties with lighting or camera setups. The role often requires long hours of focused work and adaptability when encountering unforeseen issues like set pieces shifting or models breaking. Effective communication with directors, model makers, and other team members is crucial to navigate and resolve these challenges efficiently. Over time, animators gain strategies to streamline workflows and hone problem-solving skills, making each project more manageable and rewarding.

How to get a job in stop motion animation?

To get a job in stop motion animation, develop skills in modeling, sculpting, and camera work, and build a portfolio showcasing your projects. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or creating personal projects helps demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Familiarity with animation software and understanding of production processes are also valuable assets.

Is stop motion dying out?

Stop motion remains a niche but active form of animation used in film, advertising, and education. Advances in digital animation have shifted some focus away from traditional stop motion, but skilled artists continue to find opportunities, especially with tools like Dragonframe and practical effects. The technique is valued for its unique aesthetic and craftsmanship, ensuring its continued relevance in creative industries.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Stop Motion jobs?

Cities in California with the most Stop Motion job openings:

Stop Motion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stop Motion job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,392 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Federal Work Study - Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$19.61/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Driven. Engaging. Innovative. Do these words motivate you? If so, then we want to talk with you. Academy of Art University offers a rewarding employment experience for those who excel in a dynamic environment and who can consistently deliver high-caliber customer service. We thrive on ingenuity and pursue ideas every day that lead to extraordinary opportunities for tomorrow. Apply here for your next career!
The Federal Work Study - Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant will assist in the general daily operations of the lab by supporting students and faculty, ensuring lab equipment is in proper working order, and supporting the Stop Motion Animation Department with basic administrative functions.
This Federal Work Study position will support current students by providing opportunities for students to use the lab equipment and assisting students with using approved equipment. In addition, this position will complement and reinforce a Federal Work Study student's educational program or vocational goals by providing opportunities for the Federal Work Study Stop Motion Animation Lab Assistant to increase their skills with current equipment, learn customer service skills, and learn basic administrative skills.
Responsibilities:
  • Check students in and out of the lab
  • Check equipment in and out of the lab for students and faculty
  • Assist students with use of approved lab equipment
  • Monitor lab usage to ensure students are adhering to lab policies
  • Assist with the maintenance of approved lab equipment
  • Assist with general departmental administrative tasks

Qualifications:
  • Basic computer skills
  • Proficiency with Adobe CC, Dragonframe, and the Microsoft Office suite is preferred

Location:
180 New Montgomery Street - Room 709
Reports to:
James Ryan, Lab Manager, School of Stop Motion Animation, Visual Effects & Architecture
Pay Rate:
$19.61 per hour or approved rate for specific position
Application Deadline:
September 14, 2026
Work Schedule:
Up to 20 hours per week
Federal Work Study schedules can work up to 20 hours per week*
*Federal Work Study - work schedules may not conflict with the student's class schedule.
Academy of Art University offers part-time employees paid sick leave.
Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at recruitment@academyart.edu.

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