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Special Effects Artists and Animators

Brings characters and worlds to life for films, games and ads.

Typical education to startBachelor's degree
Job outlook2025–2035: 0%
Median pay$102,030 a year (2025)
Interest codeAR Artistic, Realistic

Read the full guide

Animators draw or model characters and scenes, then make them move, for films, TV, video games, ads and apps. Visual effects artists add effects to live-action film.

Open the animator guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

  • Computer Science Principles · Computer Science

    Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.

  • Public Speaking · English

    Builds communication and media skills, which this job uses.

  • Engineering Design · Career and Technical

    Builds design and technical drawing, which this job uses.

  • Photography · Arts

    Builds communication and media skills, which this job uses.

  • Geometry · Math

    Builds math, which this job uses.

  • Human Geography · Social Studies

    Builds geography, which this job uses.

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Special Effects Artists and Animators on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.