Special Effects Artists and Animators
Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment.
Is special effects artists and animators a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #294 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($102,030 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.6%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What special effects artists and animators earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. special effects artists and animators earn between $75,490 and $139,130 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live special effects artists and animators jobs
No live special effects artists and animators openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified special effects artists and animators openings will appear here — each shown against the $102,030 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become a special effects artists and animator
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art. Programs in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Programs in fine arts may include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Schools also may have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.
Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree.
Advancement
Special effects artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Important qualities
Artistic talent. Animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light. However, they may be able to compensate for artistic shortcomings with better technical skills.
Communication skills. Special effects artists and animators need to work as part of a team and respond well to criticism and feedback.
Computer skills. Many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work.
Creativity. Artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life.
Time-management skills. The workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines. Artists and animators need to be able to manage their time effectively when a deadline approaches.
Related occupations
How much do special effects artists and animators make?
The national median wage is $102,030 a year, with the middle half earning between $75,490 and $139,130 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is special effects artists and animators a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #294 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.6% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a special effects artists and animator?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do special effects artists and animators earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($133,480). Local pay for every state and metro is below.