Special Effects Artists and Animators
Special effects artists and animators create visual effects and animations for films, video games, commercials, and music videos using specialized software and digital tools. They work in studios, production companies, or as freelancers, building everything from character animations to complex environmental effects that appear on screen.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special effects artists and animators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves collaborating with directors and other artists on project requirements, then spending hours at a computer refining animations frame by frame or building digital effects sequences. Tasks include modeling 3D objects, applying textures, creating motion, compositing layers, and rendering final shots. Regular feedback sessions with supervisors shape revisions until the visual work meets the creative vision.
Who this work suits
Holland code ARC. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel at this work if you combine strong artistic skills with technical aptitude and attention to detail. You're drawn to realistic visual storytelling and enjoy solving complex problems through digital tools to make ideas look convincing on screen.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Animator Intern · Bybit · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $100,550 | $133,480 | $174,990 | 1,130 |
| California | $99,280 | $130,540 | $164,800 | 7,410 |
| Nevada | $77,420 | $97,350 | $105,920 | 370 |
| New York | $76,420 | $96,770 | $136,840 | 1,540 |
| Colorado | $77,570 | $91,290 | $105,120 | 210 |
| Arizona | $65,810 | $89,650 | $100,230 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $62,530 | $88,350 | $105,260 | 370 |
| Utah | $60,590 | $88,210 | $126,770 | 320 |
| Michigan | $68,590 | $86,630 | $121,830 | 230 |
| Florida | $81,730 | $85,870 | $104,410 | 1,530 |
| Maryland | $57,520 | $85,830 | $96,640 | 170 |
| Tennessee | $66,070 | $83,080 | $101,530 | 90 |
All 31 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Unity Certified User - Artist — Unity Technologies
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 2 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special effects artists and animators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1014.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.