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Animation Career Outlook

What is the job outlook for an animator?

The animation career is a growing field with lots of opportunity for growth because of the recent developments in technology.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career out look for animators is expected to grow faster than average between now and 2018.  Part of this is because the industry is expanding into other fields that you may not expect would need animation.

While it’s common knowledge that animators work with video game companies and entertainment and film industry, here are many other fields that utilize animation including:

  • advertising firms for animated advertisements online
  • health care organizations for medical procedure animations
  • online colleges for class animations
  • office training for corporations and firms
  • flight simulation training videos for the military

Since the animation industry is so competitive, it is important for animators to formulate an impressive portfolio with samples of their work for potential employers to see.  Completing a computer animation degree will also be favorable for their resume and career development.

Animator job satisfaction

In a recent study, it was found that approximately 60% of professional animators enjoy their jobs and the work they do on a daily basis.  When compared with the other happy professions, it is among the happiest professions in the nation, second to only clergy.  In addition to the creative aspect of the field, animation professionals enjoy telling stories, teamwork, moving people, and seeing their reactions to their work.

Animation salary

On a national scale, the hourly wage of an animator is approximately $27.00 with an average of $58,000 annually.  When determining an animation salary, there are different variables including geographic location, education, employment location, experience, and demand.  For example, animators who live in New York and California make more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.  Salary can depend on whether the animator is employed for a video game company, the entertainment industry, or for their own company.  The top 10% of animators make $90,000 annually and up.

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