What Skills Should Animators Have?
Learn the Skills You Need to Become an Animator
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Video Editing
Video editing is most commonly the use of digital software to manipulate and organize video and sound files into a final deliverable. Video Editors use software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Filmora, and others to create videos that compel, convert, inform, or tell a story.
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After Effects
After Effects is a computer software application developed by Adobe used to create visual effects and motion graphics. After Effects is used in the process of creating films, video games, television series, and other videos. It is most commonly used for keying, tracking, compositing, and animation.
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Animation
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Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are pieces of digital footage or animation that create the illusion of motion. They are usually combined with audio and used in multimedia projects. Adobe After Effects is the most popular motion graphics software.
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Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a 3D software suite created by Maxon. It is used for 3D modeling, animation, nad rendering in motion graphics, modeling, and texturing. It is most commonly used by small teams and solo artists.
Animator Salaries
An Animator in the United States makes, on average, $47,353 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for Animators vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Animator salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $47K source n/a
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Orange County, CA
$119K
source
+152.11%
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Dallas, TX
$103K
source
+118%
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Washington, D.C.
$100K
source
+112.59%
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Los Angeles, CA
$82K
source
+73.93%
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New York City
$73K
source
+55.58%
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Alexandria, VA
$60K
source
+28.61%
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Fairfax, VA
$60K
source
+28.18%
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Chicago, IL
$56K
source
+18.54%
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Miami, FL
$47K
source
+1.07%
- U.S. Average $47K source n/a
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Houston, TX
$24K
source
-48.62%
Additional Animator Resources
- Animator Job Description
- Best Cities for Animators
- Is Animation Right For Me?
- What Degree Do You Need to Become an Animator?
- Animator Career Path
- Animator Certifications
- How to Become an Animator Without a Degree in 2025
- How to Become a Freelance Animator in 2025
- Animator Job Search Tips & Best Practices
- Animator Job Outlook
- What Classes to Take to Become an Animator
- How to Become an Animator At Home
Related Careers
Animators work across industries, creating motion graphics, visual effects, and character animations. Motion Graphics Designers focus on animated branding and promotional content, while Video Editors incorporate animation into film and digital media. A 2D Animator specializes in traditional, frame-by-frame animation, often for television, marketing, and gaming, whereas a 3D Animator works in CGI, crafting immersive worlds for film, video games, and simulations. Graphic Designers with animation skills may transition into motion-based roles, combining design principles with animation techniques to create dynamic visual storytelling.
Salary Comparison to Animator
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2D Animator
$74K
+56.79%
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Video Editor
$70K
+49.91%
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3D Animator
$65K
+38.29%
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Graphic Designer
$61K
+29.25%
- Animator $47K n/a
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Motion Graphics Designer
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$76K / year
Motion Graphics Designers, sometimes referred to as MoGraph professionals, use visual effects and animation to create artwork for: television, film, tech devices, software, live-video, video games, applications, and the web.
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Video Editor
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$70K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$64K / year
Video editors work on films from script to post-production. Working closely with their teams, they help with script and storyboard development, sound editing, and video layouts. Video editors are responsible for ensuring sequence and continuity throughout the film. They work with producers and directors as they develop treatments and storytelling approaches.
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2D Animator
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$74K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$76K / year
2D animators develop storyboards, characters, and backgrounds to bring stories to life in 2D. Working with software such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and 2D animators provide creative support to art directors in a variety of industries. 2D animators can work for studios or design firms, or as freelance independent contractors.
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3D Animator
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$65K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$95K / year
3D animators take ideas and turn them into three-dimensional images and animations. Using their understanding of human and animal movement, 3d animators can create rich, realistic experiences. 3d animators work on movies and games, as well as some websites and online media. 3d animators create amusement park experiences such as those at Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
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Graphic Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$61K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$68K / year
Graphic designers work with both digital and physical media to create art that communicates and inspires. Using graphics, text, colors, and animations, graphics designers develop media assets for branding, advertising, and messaging. Graphics designers can work for agencies or themselves. They create a wide variety of design elements, such as brochures, infographics, marketing material layouts, and design elements for print, video, or web use.