Animators
Overview
Introduction
Animators are artists who design the moving characters that appear in movies, videos, television shows, commercials, Web sites, and in other digital media. They are also known as digital animators and motion cartoonists. In 2022, there were 89,300 special effects artists and animators employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), special effects artists and animators earned median annual salaries of $99,060 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $57,090 to $169,580 or more. The DOL reports the following median annual earnings for special effects artists and animators by the top five employers: software publishers, $123,480; motion picture and video industries, $124.5...
Work Environment
Most animators work in big cities where movie and television studios, animation studios, software developers, and video game design firms are located. They generally work in comfortable environments with good lighting and the latest computer technology. Staff animators work a regular 40-hour workweek but may occasionally be expected to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Freelance ani...
Outlook
Employment for special effects artists and animators is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, due to increased demand for special effects and animation in video games, movies, and television. The growing trend of sophisticated special effects in motion pictures should create opportunities at industry effects houses such...