Special Effects Artists and Animators
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 by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 70 | $69,010 | $33.18 | |
| Arizona | $56,690 | $27.25 | ||
| Arkansas | 50 | $77,910 | $37.46 | |
| California | 7,800 | $99,510 | $47.84 | |
| Colorado | 170 | $88,090 | $42.35 | |
| Connecticut | 290 | $120,150 | $57.77 | |
| District of Columbia | 40 | $95,890 | $46.10 | |
| Florida | 1,110 | $63,190 | $30.38 | |
| Georgia | 1,800 | $72,020 | $34.62 | |
| Hawaii | 30 | $62,990 | $30.29 | |
| Illinois | $73,900 | $35.53 | ||
| Indiana | 230 | $49,960 | $24.02 | |
| Iowa | 50 | $59,590 | $28.65 | |
| Maryland | 380 | $83,800 | $40.29 | |
| Michigan | 240 | $69,020 | $33.18 | |
| Minnesota | 180 | $66,370 | $31.91 | |
| Missouri | 90 | $67,190 | $32.30 | |
| Nebraska | 110 | $50,860 | $24.45 | |
| Nevada | 240 | $85,010 | $40.87 | |
| New Hampshire | $76,700 | $36.88 | ||
| New Jersey | 400 | $84,500 | $40.63 | |
| New Mexico | 50 | $47,040 | $22.62 | |
| New York | 1,200 | $96,690 | $46.49 | |
| North Carolina | 390 | $71,730 | $34.49 | |
| Oregon | 250 | $89,330 | $42.95 | |
| Pennsylvania | 200 | $64,110 | $30.82 | |
| South Carolina | 90 | $40,090 | $19.28 | |
| Tennessee | 90 | $58,130 | $27.95 | |
| Texas | 910 | $61,160 | $29.40 | |
| Utah | 200 | $66,620 | $32.03 | |
| Virginia | 320 | $70,550 | $33.92 | |
| Washington | 2,210 | $96,860 | $46.57 | |
| Wisconsin | 110 | $58,130 | $27.95 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.
A program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. Includes instruction in Internet theory, web page standards and policies, elements of web page design, user interfaces, vector tools, special effects, interactive and multimedia components, search engines, navigation, morphing, e-commerce tools, and emerging web technologies.
A program focusing on the principles of applied visual simulation technology and the application of quantitative analyses to human-computer interaction. Includes instruction in object-oriented programming, artificial intelligence, computer communications and networks, computer graphics, virtual worlds and simulation systems, probability, statistics, stochastic modeling, data analysis, human-performance evaluation, and human-behavior modeling.
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.
A program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. Includes instruction in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions through representation by lines made on a surface. Includes instruction in eye-hand coordination; line, value, shape, and perspective; figure and still life drawing; the use of media such as pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, pastel, and brush; and personal style development.
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions in either two or three dimensions, through simultaneous use of a variety of materials and media.
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.
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$86,220 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as special effects artists and animators.
- Less than high school 3%
- High school graduate 12%
- College dropout 19%
- Associate’s degree 8%
- Bachelor’s degree 44%
- Master’s degree 13%
- Doctorate degree 2%
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