Special effects artists and animators
SOC Code: 27-1014Also known as:
3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer), 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler), 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist)
Median Annual Salary
$99,800
+1.6% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
57K
Current Jobs
What Special effects artists and animators Do
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
💰 Salary
$99,800
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
57,100
Projected Employment (2034)
58,000
Related Careers
Web and digital interface designers
$98,090 •
+7.0% growth
Art directors
$111,040 •
+4.2% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Producers and directors
$83,480 •
+4.9% growth
Film and video editors
$70,980 •
+4.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Special effects artists and animators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a special effects artists and animators:
Graphic Design
10,676 degrees awarded •
578 colleges offer this program
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
6,026 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
5,236 degrees awarded •
343 colleges offer this program
Digital Arts
3,892 degrees awarded •
166 colleges offer this program
Game and Interactive Media Design
2,986 degrees awarded •
153 colleges offer this program
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
1,028 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Intermedia/Multimedia
732 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Painting
607 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Drawing
254 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Special effects artists and animators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become special effects artists and animators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make?
The median annual salary for special effects artists and animators is $99,800.
What education do special effects artists and animators need?
Most special effects artists and animators positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Graphic Design, Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects, Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
Is becoming special effects artists and animators a good career choice?
Special effects artists and animators is projected to see +1.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for special effects artists and animators?
Top colleges for aspiring special effects artists and animators include
New York University, University of Southern California, University of Florida, The University of Texas at Austin, Boston University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to special effects artists and animators?
Special effects artists and animators may also be known as: 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer), 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler), 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist), Animation Artist, Animation Producer, Animator, Anime Artist, Anime Designer, Artist, Cartoon Animator, Cartoon Artist, Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer), Computer Artist, Computer Graphic Artist, Computer Graphic Designer, Computer Graphics Illustrator, Concept Artist, Content Producer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.