Animation is no longer just for Saturday morning cartoons. It is a multibillion-dollar industry, producing everything from blockbuster films to video games, mobile apps and even simulations for medical training. If you ever dreamed of bringing characters to life or writing about worlds only you can imagine, the time is now. The animation industry has some jaw-dropping pay scales for top talents who deserve it their abilities.
The best part? Careers in animation are not one-size-fits-all. Whether you want to tell stories, solve technical problems or just be purely artistic, this creative business has your place. There’s never been a better time to be an animator — whether you’re looking for a lifelong career or skipping the graphic design degree in favor of building an online business, companies as diverse as Pixar, Disney and Netflix are always on the lookout for those who possess a way with visuals and storytelling.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at ten animation careers that will see your imagination unleashed and be more than generous in terms of pay. We’ll dissect what the jobs entail, what skills you need and how much money you can expect to make. Whether you’re coming from first steps or considering a career change, this guide will introduce you to the exciting opportunities that await in the animation world.
Animation Jobs Are Not to Be Ignored
But before we delve into particular careers, let’s first look at why animation is a smart industry to be working in today. During the past few years, the entertainment industry has blown up as streaming services — and others looking to get a piece of the action — have flooded the market with content. Video games have become an industry worth tens of billions. Businesses need animated explainer videos, ads and social media content. Even industries such as healthcare, education and architecture use animations to explain complicated ideas.
This is toweringly huge growth, which means job opportunities are increasing fast. There’s also reports the animation market will continue to grow beyond 2030. And many animation jobs come with flexibility; you can work at a studio, freelance from your home or even travel the world while working remotely.
The pay for animators can also be impressive. Salaries for entry-level roles may begin around $40,000 to $50,000 per year but experienced professionals can make six-figures. At big studios, some animation directors or supervisors pull in over $150,000 a year. Freelancers with established reputations can command premium rates for their services.
Career #1: Animation Director
Let’s start at the top. Think of the animation director as the captain of a creative ship. Great character designers are responsible for the overall appearance, feel and style of an animated project. They are the one who visualizes a script or concept.
What They Do:
Animation Directors collaborate with writers, producers and artists to create the creative vision for animation projects. They’re choosing the character designs, color palettes, style of animation and how scenes should fit together. They are also on the set during production, leading animators and artists, as well as providing feedback to ensure that everything remains true to the intended vision. They are part artist, part manager, part problem solver.
Skills You’ll Need:
To direct an animated project, you need experience spending years in animation. You need to know about all kinds of animation — 2D, traditional, cells and cartoons as well as computer-generated imagery (3-D). You’ll also need to have strong leadership skills — since you’ll be managing teams of artists. You must also have strong communication skills to articulate your vision and provide constructive feedback.
Salary Range:
Animation directors can make anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000 per year depending on the size of the studio and budget of the project. Directors working at large studios such as Pixar or DreamWorks can get much more, particularly when their work becomes a huge hit. A few top directors have the clout to negotiate profit-sharing arrangements, which could drive their pay even higher.
Path to Get There:
Most animation directors begin their careers as animators or storyboard writers. After establishing a robust portfolio and accumulating 5-10 years of experience, they progress to lead animator positions, and eventually director roles. One way that you can get some experience is to direct small, independent projects.
Career #2: 3D Modeler
If you enjoy sculpting and building detailed objects, creatures or characters in a virtual world, 3D modeling could be your true calling. These are the artists who create 3D objects you see in animated films, video games and visual effects.
What They Do:
Specialized software, including Maya, Blender and ZBrush as well as others are used by 3D modelers to create models from scratch. They could be used to generate anything from a lifelike human face, to an alien spaceship or fantasy creature. Their job is to know anatomy and architecture, how things look from all angles. Once they have created a model, other artists will add textures, colors and eventually animate it.
Skills You’ll Need:
You must have a strong artistic ability and an eye for detail. It’s essential to know how anatomy works, proportions, and how light touches a surface. It’s also the technical skills — you’ll spend hours and hours learning complex software programs. A lot of 3D modelers learn sculpture, drawing, and design principles as well to enhance their skills.
Salary Range:
The average annual salary for 3D modelers is $50,000-$85,000. People working on high-budget movies or AAA video games can often earn more than that. Senior modelers with a specialty (like character modeling or hard-surface modeling) can make $90,000 to $110,000 or more.
Industry Demand:
There is a phenomenal demand for 3D modelers at the moment. Modelers are in demand even at video game companies, film studios, ad shops and architecture firms. The advent of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies has only expanded the possibilities. Many 3D modelers work freelance, creating models for as many clients as they can and possibly making more than people traditionally employed because of all the clients they’re working with.
Career #3: Character Animator
Character animators animate the models of 3D. They make characters walk, talk, be happy and sad and perform actions in the world. It’s one of the most imaginative and demanding animated roles of all.
What They Do:
Character animators are students of motion — how people walk, how emotion registers on a face, how weight redistributes when someone jumps. And so they’re taking static 3D models and giving performances with them, almost like being an actor but the equivalent of a digital puppet. They do each frame (or use fancy rigging tools) to make motion that’s fluid and believes itself, to tell a story.
Skills You’ll Need:
A keen awareness of all types of movement and physics is key. Acting is heavily studied by many character animators to learn how emotions and personality can be conveyed through body movement. You also must have patience: If you want to produce a few seconds of smooth animation, it can require hours, or even days. Software skills in applications such as Maya, Blender, or the studio’s own software necessary.
Salary Range:
Character animators usually make between $55,000 to $95,000 annually. Animators at large studios working on feature films can earn $70,000 to $110,000. Lead character animators tasked with the most vital scenes or characters can make $120,000 or more.
Career Growth:
Character animation is something that develops with practice. As you build a portfolio of great work, you can progress into roles as senior animator and ultimately animation supervisor. A lot of character animators will be promoted to animation director before long. The best part is, your talent crosses over into a variety of industries — from film, to TV, to gaming, and advertising — since they all require skilled character animators.
Career #4: VFX Artist
Visual effects artists are the wizards that mix animated images with live-action scenes. They make the explosions, magic spells, reality-defying creatures in natural settings and all manner of spectacular effects that you see on your screens when you get lost in movies and TV shows today.
What They Do:
VFX artists can work on anything from subtle improvements (like removing wires in stunt scenes) to the a whole fantastical worlds. They may emulate real-life water, fire or smoke. They could produce digital doubles of actors for risky scenes. Or they might composite computer-generated elements with real footage so artfully that you can no longer tell what’s real and what’s not.
Skills You’ll Need:
The technical skills are demanded when it comes to VFX. You will have to be a pro at software like Houdini, Nuke, After Effects and many simulation tools. Knowing real-world physics can be a great help as well — knowing how water actually interacts, or how light actually behaves will make your effects more believable. Problem-solving is super important because you’re going to be hitting technical problems all the time.
Salary Range:
Most VFX artists make between $60,000 and $100,000 a year. Senior VFX artists and experts in more advanced categories like fluid simulation or particle effects can make $100,000 to $140,000. And VFX supervisors overseeing teams can make even more — sometimes $130,000 to $180,000 or more at big studios.
Industry Outlook:
The VFX industry is booming. Just about every major movie and TV show is now at least partly a visual effects extravaganza. The streamers are churning out bigger-budget shows. For talented VFX artists, this translates to steady work. A lot of VFX artists also do commercials, music videos, and corporate work so there will be more.
Career #5: Game Animator
Video games are bigger than the movie industry — and game animators are in demand. These animators make all the animations that you see while playing a game — from the characters’ motions to special effects in the environment.
What They Do:
Game animators face unique challenges. Obviously, film animators would draw out specific scenes while game animators have to do everything canned in interactive environments. They create animation systems in which a character can run, jump, attack or engage with objects in an infinite number of sequences. They make idle animations, combat gestures, emotes and other motions that give game characters a sense of life.
Skills You’ll Need:
Game animation is a turbulent mix of art and technology. You have to make equally compelling motion within technical constraints like polygon counts and memory budgets. Knowing game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is a plus. You really should also understand things like animation blending, state machines, and procedural animations.
Salary Range:
Game animators make between $55,000 and $90,000 a year on average. Experienced game animators at big studios (those known as Rockstar, Naughty Dog or Blizzard) can earn around $85,000 to $120,000. Lead animators and animation directors in gaming can make $130,000 or more, especially at good studios.
Why It’s Exciting:
Game animation is extremely rewarding, players are literally playing with what your work. It’s a different type of challenge to attempt to make something that FEELS responsive and good to control. Gaming is also a relatively stable place to work, as both large studios and independent developers are seeking skilled animators. And with the rise of gaming on mobile devices and virtual reality, new potential markets keep opening.
Career #6: Motion Graphics Designer
Motion graphics designers are the professionals who design the animated graphics for everything from TV commercials to web interfaces, explainer videos, and even social media content. It’s a career that fuses graphic design with the know-how of animation.
What They Do:
Motion Graphics Designers animate text, logos, icons and graphic elements. They make the cool title sequence you see on a TV show, the animated infographic that tells you about gun deaths in America during a news broadcast, and those engaging social media videos that explain some really hard-to-understand esoteric topic in simple ways. Their work shows up in advertising, corporate presentations, websites, apps and entertainment.
Skills You’ll Need:
You need to have strong graphic design fundamentals — knowing color theory, typography, composition and visual hierarchy. Animation capabilities in a software like After Effects, Cinema 4D or Motion are required. You’ll also need to know some basic video editing and how to work with audio. A lot of motion graphics designers will also pick up some 3D animation to be more useful.
Salary Range:
Most motion graphics designers earn an annual income that ranges between $50,000 and $80,000. Senior designers and art directors may earn $85,000 to $110,000. Freelance motion graphics designers with impressive showreels can demand between $500 and $1,500 a day — making even more than they would in a full-time job if they have steady business.
Career Flexibility:
This career offers tremendous flexibility. You may work in-house at an ad agency, design firm or TV network. Or you can freelance for a bit, doing all sorts of projects for different clients. Many of those motion graphics designers go on to have successful YouTube channels or online courses, providing other revenue opportunities. The skills you develop are widely applicable across sectors and this makes for a secure career.
Career #7: Storyboard Artist
Storyboard artists are the storytellers who take a big role in mapping out how animated films, shows or games will visually play out. They are the architects, in a sense, who draw up the blueprints before construction begins.
What They Do:
Storyboard artists read scripts and interpret them into scenes and shots. What they do is draw panels that depict what will happen in every shot, where each character will be positioned and how they will move. Their drawings assist directors and animators in seeing the story play out before production gets costly.
Skills You’ll Need:
You need strong drawing skills — you have to be able to sketch fast and clean. You need to know about things like camera angles, composition and shot types as well. Storytelling ability is essential, as well; you have to understand how to economically deliver visual flow and emotion. Also, lots of storyboard artists do know timing and how their boards would be animated.
Salary Range:
Generally, storyboarders make an annual income of $60,000 to $95,000. Those who cut feature films at major studios typically earn $75,000 to $110,000. After gaining a few years of experience, and making the jump from storyboard artist to story lead or story supervisor, artists can make $120,000 to $150,000 or more.
Career Path:
An animation director has earned their chops through storyboarding, in a sense; the secured vantage point of being well-in-verse with the very mechanics you’re asking to be pulled back from. It’s a great way to get in animation if you are better at drawing than animating. Certain storyboard artists are known for their specialty such as action, comedy or drama and they become much sought-after over the years when it comes to that in particular.
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Career #8: Technical Director (TD)
Technical directors are the troubleshooters between art and technology in animation studios. They can help you develop efficient workflows and solve difficult technical problems.
What They Do:
Technical directors code and create tools that allow the animators to work more efficiently. They could be making custom plugins for animation software, creating automated workflows to speed up routine tasks, or troubleshooting tech issues on the fly during production. They liaise with the artist team and the IT department so that everything happens as smooth as silk.
Skills You’ll Need:
Strong programming skills are essential. Many TDs speak Python, and some may be fluent in C++ or MEL scripting. You need a solid understanding of animation software, and some artistic knowledge as well — you need to know what animators are trying to do. Strong problem-solving skills and good communication are also important, for example as you’ll be acting as the go-between to technical and creative teams.
Salary Range:
Technical directors commonly earn $70,000 to $120,000 per year. Specialist senior TDs can earn $130,000 to $160,000. Others receive even more, such as CTOs (Chief Technology Officers) at animation studios, or going into software development for animation tools.
Growing Demand:
The more complicated and high-tech animation becomes, the more we see the value of technical directors in such an environment. Studios require TDs to develop new technologies such as real-time rendering, machine learning tools for animation or virtual production tech. There is great job security and room for advancement with this career.
Career #9: Concept Artist
The concept artists design and drive the visual development for animated projects. They are the visionaries who decide how characters, environments, and overall aesthetic will appear.
What They Do:
Concept artists operate at the front-end of projects, sometimes even before production begins. They sketch and paint ideas for how everything should look — character designs, environmental layouts, color schemes, props. Their job is to guide all of the other artists who will build and animate these pieces. They create dozens of designs over and over until the director chooses an approach for the final design.
Skills You’ll Need:
Strong emphasis on drawing and painting is an absolute. You just have to be a dreamer and come up with original designs. Knowing how to draw in a variety of art styles—realistic, stylized and so forth—allows you to bend and mold yourself for different projects. There are quite a few that work in both digital and traditional mediums (with pencil and paint), for example.
Salary Range:
Concept artists usually make from $55,000 to $90,000 a year. Concept and visual development artists at big studios can earn $90,000 to $130,000. So concept artists who become art directors can make $120,000 to $160,000 or more.
Creative Freedom:
This work comes with a tremendous amount of creative freedom because you are often making things that don’t exist yet. Numerous concept artists will also work on a variety of projects from film and video games to theme park designs. Others develop profitable sidelines, posting art prints, books or online teaching about their practice to multiple income streams.
Career #10: Animation Producer
Animation producers are the caretakers of any given project, trying to make sure everything stays on track, under budget and in schedule. They deal with the business of animation while creative folks make cool stuff.
What They Do:
Animation producers control budgets, schedules and resources. They recruit talent, negotiate contracts and act as a liaison between various departments. They must make sure projects come in on time and under budget. They are also responsible for client communication and ensuring everyone’s expectations are met.
Skills You’ll Need:
Must have excellent organizational and management capabilities. You must be a strong communicator both with creative teams as well as the executives. It is extremely helpful to know the animation production pipeline. Business skills such as budgeting, negotiation and project management are essential. Many producers also have some creative experience, so they know the artistic struggles their teams are up against.
Salary Range:
Animation producers make between $65,000 and $110,000 annually. Senior producers and executive producers at big studios can earn (and in many cases make) $120,000 to $180,000 plus. Producers of hit movies or series can sometimes earn bonuses or share in the profits that far exceed their compensation.
Career Satisfaction:
Producing is not a creative job, but the feeling is exhilarating. Producers are so integral in getting projects made. You will be part of a variety of things, you’ll meet talented folks and experience the effects of your organizational work first-hand: on a project. It is also a career with high upward mobility—successful producers can go on to become studio executives or found their own production companies.
Salary Comparison Table
| Career | Entry-Mid-Level Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Senior-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation Director | $60,000 – $80,000 | $100,000 – $130,000 | $150,000+ |
| 3D Modeler | $45,000 – $55,000 | $65,000 – $85,000 | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| Character Animator | $55,000 – $70,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 | $120,000+ |
| VFX Artist | $60,000 – $75,000 | $85,000 – $100,000 | $130,000 – $180,000 |
| Game Animator | $55,000 – $70,000 | $85,000 – $100,000 | $130,000+ |
| Motion Graphics Designer | $50,000 – $65,000 | $70,000 – $85,000 | $95,000 – $110,000 |
| Storyboard Artist | $60,000 – $75,000 | $80,000 – $95,000 | $120,000 – $150,000 |
| Technical Director | $70,000 – $90,000 | $100,000 – $120,000 | $130,000 – $160,000+ |
| Concept Artist | $55,000 – $70,000 | $75,000 – $90,000 | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| Animation Producer | $65,000 – $80,000 | $90,000 – $110,000 | $120,000 – $180,000+ |
Note: Salaries are a guide only and will be negotiated with the successful candidate. These values are average U.S. market rates.
Skills That Translate Across All Animation Jobs
Although every career is unique, there are some skills which help anyone in the animation industry:
Basics of Art: Technical jobs need to know color, composition and design too even if not behind a pencil every day. These basics make you better at what you do or help facilitate better work no matter your precise gig.
Software Skills: The animation industry is software based. If we’re talking about Maya, Blender, After Effects or the games’ engines you have to feel comfortable in digital. The good news is a lot of the underlying concepts apply across programs.
Communication Skills: Animation is collaborative. You’re going to be sharing ideas constantly, offering and taking feedback, communicating your vision to others. Clear communication makes you a better team player and a more valuable employee.
Problem Solving: There are always unique problems to solve in each project. Whether it’s a technology issue, creative block or hard deadline that seems impossible to meet, animators who have the ability to think on their feet and solve problems are those that succeed in this fast-paced field.
Learning: Animation is fast evolving industry. There are always new software, methods, and toys to play with. Great animators continue learning from online classes, workshops, and self-initiated studies for their whole lives!
How To Break Into Animation
The prospect of getting started in animation can seem daunting, but there’s a path to follow:
Develop Your Skills: Take a beginners animation course — online or at college. The availability of free software such as Blender has made learning without purchasing expensive tools possible. Practice consistently — it takes time to build a skill.
Develop a Portfolio: The portfolio is the most important thing. It needs to highlight your strengths and show off the skills that are directly applicable to what you want to do. Quality over quantity is key—concentrate on a few really good pieces at the expense of churning out lots and lots.
Network: Meet and connect with other animators online and off. Go to animation clubs, participate in real life on forums and other communities where animators hang out. A lot of jobs are obtained through personal connections and networking.
Begin at the Beginning: Your first animation job may not be your dream role, and that’s okay. Starting out can break in valuable experiences and connections. A lot of good animators have worked their way up and begun as trainees or junior artists.
Keep Updated: Read news about the industry, watch animated films and shows with a critical eye and pay attention to new technology and trends. This awareness of industry trends makes you a more valuable professional.
The Future Of Animation Careers
The future of the animation industry looks sunny. And there are some trends that are opening up new opportunities:
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and other streamers are creating big swaths of animation. This translates into more jobs and greater variety of work.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: VR and AR tech relies on animators to drive new immersive experiences. These domains are still young and becoming opportunities for the early adopters.
Real-Time Animation: Through tools like Unreal Engine, animation is taking on a new way of being created that’s faster and more iterative. Those who can control this new set of tools are going to be in intense demand. You can learn more about Unreal Engine and its animation capabilities to stay ahead in this evolving field.
Potential for International Work: Because animation work can easily be done from a distance, there’s potential to work for studios across the globe. This flexible arrangement is as good for employers as it is for animators.
Cross-Industry Uses: Animation industry skills have broader applications outside of entertainment. Animation is used in healthcare, education, architecture, marketing and more which makes several career options.
An Individual Choice That’s Right for You
What are you to do with so many exciting career possibilities? Think about what particularly interests you about animation:
Do you love to create characters and give them life? Take a glance at character animation or concept art. Do you have a passion for tackling tough technical problems? Technical director or VFX artist may be the perfect fit. Are you drawn to overseeing projects and working with teams? Your way could be in animation producing.
The good news is that you don’t have to make a decision today. There are also a lot of animators who dabble in other disciplines before really focusing. Your interests may change as you learn more, and that’s perfectly okay. What you learn in one area often translates to the other, allowing for a pivot if your interests change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have a college degree to work in animation?
Not always. Many animators hold degrees in animation, art or related areas — however, the most important thing about you is your portfolio and abilities. The path of some successful animators began with and is defined by online learning — courses, yes, that offer feedback on projects you can build portfolios from. But formal schooling will afford you with a structured learning, networking and equipment/software access. That depends on how you learn best, and what your career goals are.
How many years does it take to become an animator?
This can vary tremendously depending on your background and how much time you spend to learn. A full-time student might reach professional-level skills in 2-4 years. Part-time learners might take longer. But to get really good at animation is a lifelong pursuit — and even the most experienced animator will feel like she’s only just started scratching the surface.
Is it possible to be an animator from home?
Yes! A significant number of animators work remotely, particularly once they gain a bit of experience. The COVID-19 pandemic further ramped up the trend, and most studios now provide remote or hybrid work arrangements. Freelance animators may essentially work out of home. But sometimes entry-level jobs call for in-studio work, that you may benefit from working alongside experienced mentors.
What is the first software that I have to learn?
This varies depending on your career and which path you choose. Maya and Blender are also great for 3D animation (Blender is free). Well, if motion graphics is your area of interest, the place to begin is with After Effects. For game animation — Unity or Unreal Engine. Though many aim to use several programs, it is better to begin with one and master it than trying to learn everything at once.
Is animation a stable career?
Animation can be pretty steady/routine if you learn in-demand skill sets. The entertainment industry is project-based, so employment at certain studios may be temporary. Yet talented animators always manage to find fresh ways in. Diversify your expertise and keep updating yourself with industry trends to avoid long-term instability.
What is the competitiveness in animation industry?
The animation industry is competitive, especially for openings at premiere studios like Pixar or big gaming companies. But the industry is big and varied, so there’s a range of things available. Solid skills, a killer portfolio and effective networking can help you make an impression. Beyond the top jobs are many smaller studios, agencies and freelance opportunities.
Am I able to freelance as an animator?
Absolutely! Many animators are thriving in freelance, especially if they specialize in motion graphics, 2D animation or concept art. Working freelance can be more flexible and higher paid, but it also takes self-discipline, business flair and – you guessed it – the knack of selling yourself. For many animators, the path is to work for a studio in order to build up experience and connections before then going freelance.
How is the work-life balance in animation?
This varies greatly by studio and role. Some studios have reputations for having reasonable hours and healthy work-life balance. Some may need a lot of overtime, especially during crucial project phases (known as “crunch time”). Before you sign on the dotted line, look up what’s being said about studios and bring it as a talking point with you to an interview. Senior roles and freelancing are opportunities to have more control over your time.
Your Animation Career Starts Now
Careers in Animation deliver a special blend of creativity, technology and storytelling. Whether you envision being in the director’s seat on a stunning animated film, crafting characters that burst off the screen in a blockbuster game, or making award-winning motion graphics for major brands – there is a career opportunity out here for the enthusiastic animator.
The ten professions we have looked at are just a few of the potential openings. Both have their share of lucrative opportunities, as well as the promise of creative satisfaction. The secret is to find the one that dovetails with your interests, strengths and preferred lifestyle.
We need skillful professionals who live and breathe animation. Whether you’re a high school student finding your way, in later life and wanting a change of direction or somewhere in between – there are opportunities out there, if you are willing to work hard to hone those skills.
Start small. Choose a certain field that catches your interest and start to learn. Make things, even if they are not perfect at the start. Show off your work and network with other animators. And more than anything, don’t quit when things are tough–every established animator encountered frustrations and faced challenges at some point along the journey.
The characters, worlds and stories that you help bring to life will delight millions of people. That’s not merely employment — it is an opportunity to truly influence culture and bring joy into people’s lives. So what are you waiting for? Your animation career starts here. The only question is, which road are you going to take?
