What Special Effects Artists and Animators do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Special Effects Artists and Animators this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment"; "Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs"; "Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion"; "Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters"; "Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Special Effects Artists and Animators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 51,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 51,800 in 2035, a decrease of 100 jobs (-0.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 62.9% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $102,030, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Special Effects Artists and Animators earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $129,314. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art Directors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-1000) include Fashion Designers, Interior Designers, Graphic Designers and Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers.
Frequently asked questions about Special Effects Artists and Animators
What is the national median wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $102,030.
What is the job outlook for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 0.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,200 openings a year.
What education do Special Effects Artists and Animators need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.