Animator: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Animators earn a national median of $99,800/yr with 1.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Design.
Median Salary
$99,800
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
1.6%
Slower than average
Employed Nationally
21,280
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Animator
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Animator candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Animator performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Animator roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 1.6% for Animator roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 21,280
- Projected Growth
- 1.6%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Animator do?
- Animators apply expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Design to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking.
- How much does a Animator make?
- The national median salary for a Animator is $99,800 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Animator a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Animator roles is projected to grow 1.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 21,280 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Animator?
- The typical entry-level education for a Animator is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Animators need?
- The most important skills for Animator roles based on verified occupational data: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management. Key tools and technologies include: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.