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For Educators: Military Resources

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median Salary
99,060
Job Outlook
+18%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 6,700 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$42,550

10%

$99,060

Median

$130,460

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    52%

  • Some college

    39%

  • High school

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
  • Digital Arts
  • Graphic Design
  • Game and Interactive Media Design
  • Intermedia/Multimedia
  • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
  • Painting
  • Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
  • Drawing

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Communications and Media
  • Design
  • Geography
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.