Animator

What does an animator do?

• Read scripts and storyboards to understand the story, style and timing.
• Create characters, objects and scenes by drawing, digital modelling or building physical models.
• Bring characters and objects to life with movement, timing and expression.
• Use specialist 2D or 3D animation software.
• Work with directors, designers and other artists and respond to feedback.
• Meet strict production deadlines as part of a larger team.
• Fix problems and polish scenes before final rendering or delivery.

Where do they work?

Animators work in animation and visual effects studios, game companies, advertising agencies, broadcasters, e-learning providers and in-house design teams. Large studios are concentrated in certain countries, such as Japan, the United States, Canada, France and India, but remote work has spread. Much of the industry is project-based, so many animators work on fixed-term contracts or as freelancers. Long hours before deadlines are common.

What skills do you need?

• Drawing and visual storytelling
• Principles of movement and timing
• 2D or 3D animation software
• Modelling, rigging or visual effects for some roles
• Attention to detail and patience
• Taking direction and feedback
• Teamwork in a production pipeline
• Time management

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• finish project within budget
• follow a brief
• follow work schedule
• adapt to type of media
• analyse a script
• create moving images
• design graphics
• provide multimedia content
• create animated narratives
• study media sources
• develop animations

Essential knowledge: motion graphics · computer equipment · graphic design · ICT software specifications · multimedia systems

How do you become an animator?

Most animators study animation, illustration, fine art, graphic design or computer graphics at a college, art school or university. Employers focus on your showreel, a short video of your best work, so building strong examples is the main goal of any course. Specialist animation schools and short courses teach software and techniques, and some people are largely self-taught. Internships, student film festivals, game jams and online communities help you gain experience and contacts. A good understanding of drawing, movement and acting helps, even in 3D work.

1. University or art school degree. Bachelor's degrees in animation, computer animation, illustration or visual effects cover drawing, storytelling, software and production. Good courses include team projects that are similar to real studio work and give you time to build your showreel. Many countries also offer shorter diplomas at specialist art and design colleges.
2. Specialist school or short course. Private animation schools and online programmes focus on practical skills, such as character animation or visual effects, and are often taught by industry professionals. They can suit people who already have a degree in another subject. Quality varies, so check what former students have achieved before you enrol.
3. Self-taught with a showreel. Some animators learn with free or low-cost software, tutorials and online communities. This route works because studios judge your showreel rather than your certificates, but it requires discipline and honest feedback from others. Freelance work for small clients can help you build experience and contacts.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Design

  A design degree teaches how to create visual communication, products, spaces, clothing and digital experiences that work well for people.

  6 linked careers

• Computer science

  A computer science degree teaches how software, data and computer systems work, from programming and algorithms to networks and artificial intelligence.

  9 linked careers

• Journalism and media studies

  A journalism and media studies degree teaches how news and media content is researched, produced and shared, and how media shapes society.

  5 linked careers

Ready to apply? Build a free CV and cover letter with our CV builder

Do you need a licence to work as an animator?

Animation is not a regulated profession, and you do not need a licence to work as an animator. Unions and guilds for animation and film workers exist in some countries, and they may negotiate pay and working conditions. Animators should understand copyright, because studios usually own the work you create for them, and freelancers need clear written contracts with their clients.

How much does an animator earn?

Pay in the United States

• $102,030Median annual wage, May 2025
• $58,600–$177,110Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 20KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 27-1014, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes animator and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Junior or trainee animator
2. Animator
3. Senior animator
4. Lead animator or animation supervisor
5. Animation director

Job outlook

Demand for animation comes from streaming services, games, advertising, education and social media, so the range of employers is wide. However, work often depends on project funding, and studios can hire and cut staff quickly. Some production work moves between countries depending on costs and government incentives. AI tools are beginning to automate parts of the process, such as simple motion and in-between frames, so strong artistic judgement, storytelling and technical skills are increasingly important.

Questions about becoming an animator

Do you need a degree to become an animator?

Not always. Studios usually hire based on your showreel, so self-taught animators and people with short-course training can get jobs. A degree or diploma gives you structured training, feedback, equipment and contacts, and it can help with internships and work visas. Many animators have one, but the quality of your work matters most.

What should be in an animation showreel?

A showreel should be short and show only your best work, starting with the strongest piece. Adapt it to the job you want: character animators should show acting and body movement, while visual effects artists should show technical work. Clearly label what you did on each shot, especially for group projects.

What is the difference between 2D and 3D animation?

2D animation uses flat images drawn by hand or on a computer, and is common in television series, adverts and much Japanese and European animation. 3D animation uses computer models that are rigged and moved in a digital space, and is common in feature films, games and visual effects. Skills such as timing and storytelling apply to both.

Is animation a stable career?

Animation can be rewarding, but it is often less stable than many office jobs. Much of the work is project-based, so contracts can end when a production finishes, and freelancing is common. Building a wide network, keeping your showreel up to date and learning skills that are useful in games, advertising or education can help you find steady work.

Related careers

• Graphic designer

  Graphic designers create visual content that communicates ideas, such as logos, brand identities, packaging, posters, publications, websites and social media graphics.

  Degree often expected

• Game designer

  Game designers decide how a video game works: its rules, goals, levels, characters, story and the experience players have.

  Degree often expected

• UX/UI designer

  UX/UI designers make websites, apps and digital services easy and pleasant to use.

  Degree often expected

Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 27-1014, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2166.3

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become an animator: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/animator/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

Report a data or content issue