I suppose the big question when beginning when starting a career is can an animator be rich, recent blockbusters likeThe Incredibles 2, Black Panther, andAvatarhaveraked in billions of dollarsat the box office, thanks in large part to their dazzling CGI. Meanwhile, the global video game market, an industry that leans heavily on animation, isexpected to grow nearly 5%between 2015 and 2020.
If you’re thinking about pursuing an animation degree, your employment prospects after college are excellent. But which animation jobs have the highest return on your tuition investment, and what type of work is out there? Before you commit to four years of hard work studying the field, it’s important to know what kind of options you’ll have after school.
Types of animation jobs for art students
There are dozens of different animation jobs available depending on your interests and skills. Here are three common positions:
- 3D modeler– these professionals create the framework for an object that will eventually be animated, then illustrate it with textures representing things like hair, clothes, skin, etc. 3D modeling requires artistic skills and the technical savvy to work with several types of software.
- Stop motion animator– stop motion animation involves the manipulation of physical objects to create movement. Animators in this profession work with puppets, clay sculptures, or figurines to capture an animated sequence through photography. This job is painstaking, but highly rewarding.
- Compositor– also called compositing artists, these animators help pull every element of an animation together. They combine animated sequences, 2D images, special effects, and backgrounds into a comprehensive, attractive final product. Compositors need an eye for detail and must be able to work with a range of other team members, including other visual artists and producers.
Work environments
Because animation is used in so many different mediums, from film to video games to marketing, workplaces can vary drastically from one animator to the next. Pixar and Dreamworks are the two biggest names in movie animation; many young animators have dreamed of a career at the companies behind landmark films likeShrekandToy Story. Positions at marquee studios in film, television, and video games are competitive, but there are plenty of smaller shops and publishing companies who also employ animators.
If you’re considering a career in animation, consider becoming a freelancer.. According to the BLS, in2017 over 59% of all animators were self-employed, and many steady animation jobs only last as long as a project’s production. It’s certainly possible to find a long-term animation position, but if you don’t mind looking for gigs and continuously improving your skills, the abundance of short-term jobs available could be lucrative.
What is the highest paying animation job?
Consulting fees now top $100 per hour for many consultants, who earn more than $200,000. In terms of salaries, visual development artists, character technical directors, 3D modelers, animation art directors, and forensic animators rank among the top five. So can an animator be rich, yes sir!
Answering the big question: can an animator be rich ?
BLS data lists the 2021 median pay for animators at$78,790 a year so that may answer the question of can an animator be rich. Glassdoor has the national average a bit lower at $69,000. Like many other fields, compensation for animators also depends on experience: it’s not uncommon for senior-level animators or art directors to earn well into six figures
You should never choose a job based solely on pay, but it’s an important consideration for prospective animation students. Though the field is competitive and employment is often short-term, it’s also growing quickly. If you have the will to work hard and the technical, visual, and communication skills needed to make top-caliber animations, you stand a very good chance of earning a comfortable living as an animator. That hopefully answers the question of can an animator be rich? Happier than richer maybe
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FAQs
Consulting fees now top $100 per hour for many consultants, who earn more than $200,000. In terms of salaries, visual development artists, character technical directors, 3D modelers, animation art directors, and forensic animators rank among the top five. So can an animator be rich, yes sir!
How rich are animators? ›
The average salary for Animator is ₹50,933 per month in the India. The average additional cash compensation for a Animator in the India is ₹20,933, with a range from ₹1,771 - ₹1,38,900.
Do animators make a lot of money? ›
$45,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $133,000 is the 75th percentile.
Can you be successful as an animator? ›
The demand for skilled animators proliferates from feature films and television shows to video games and advertising. However, to become a successful animator, you must study animations by enrolling in online animation courses. It takes more than just talent and creativity.
Are animators financially stable? ›
Yes, animation can be a stable career for those who are dedicated, continually improve their skills, and adapt to industry trends.
Can you live off being an animator? ›
Though the field is competitive and employment is often short-term, it's also growing quickly. If you have the will to work hard and the technical, visual, and communication skills needed to make top-caliber animations, you stand a very good chance of earning a comfortable living as an animator.
Is animation a realistic career? ›
Yes, 3D animators are in demand, with many industries looking for talented animators. Animation jobs are expected to grow by 5% every year until 2031. Many job opportunities are in the entertainment industry, but there are also plenty of jobs in corporate fields.
Is animator a high paying job? ›
However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be Animator, or Production Artist, with pay ranging from INR 6 to 8 lakh.
Are us animators underpaid? ›
But his wages are a far cry from what animators earn in the United States, where average pay can be $65,000 a year or more, and more advanced work pays around $75,000.
How much are Pixar animators paid? ›
Total Salary Range for Pixar Animation Studios Animator
The estimated total pay range for a Animator at Pixar Animation Studios is $76K–$142K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Animator base salary at Pixar Animation Studios is $93K per year.
Top Paying Companies in the USA for Animation
| Company | Salary |
|---|
| The Walt Disney Company | $93,278 |
| DreamWorks Animation | $125,092 |
| Blue Sky Studios | $115,231 |
| Electronic Arts | $106,000 |
6 more rowsApr 23, 2024
Being an animator requires dedication, creativity and long hours, but it can be a fun and exciting career. With a promising salary and job outlook, animation is worth considering if you're passionate about art and character development.
Can animators be millionaire? ›
Yes, you can. Although can does not mean that you will become one. But at the very least a multi-millionaire.
Do animators have a future? ›
The animation industry is an exciting and dynamic field that offers many opportunities for aspiring animators. With a growing demand for animated content across different industries, animators can look forward to a promising career with excellent job prospects and high earning potential.
Is it hard to get hired as an animator? ›
The animation and visual effects industry is competitive, so standing out is vital to getting your foot in the door. If you're a beginner, you have to practice as often as possible and document your work with an online portfolio.
What is the highest salary for animators? ›
A senior-level animator job requires experience of more than 9 years. Based on their experience, their salary varies between $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
Is animation a high paying job? ›
At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 10 to 15 lakh at job profiles like Art Director, Video Game Designer, and so on.
Is it possible to make a living as an animator? ›
You bet! One of the reasons why this is such a coveted job is that animators get paid top dollars for their talent and skills. On average, animators earn about $70,530 to $74,000 a year. The salary depends on an animator's experience, skills, and location.
Can you be a millionaire from art? ›
Its popular to assume that making money with art doesn't always assure financial stability. But if you've heard of artists making more than millions, then you know there is enough money for everyone out there.
