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The differences between 3d animators and animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a 3d animator and an animator. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $73,596 average annual salary of a 3d animator.
The top three skills for a 3d animator include animation, storyboards and visualization. The most important skills for an animator are animation, motion capture, and storyboards.
| 3D Animator | Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $73,596 | $76,853 |
| Hourly rate | $35.38 | $36.95 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 571 | 551 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A 3D animator specializes in designing and developing 3D animation materials, adhering to the program or project's needs. They typically work together with a team of animators and producers in studios or offices. Most of the time, their responsibilities involve performing extensive research, creating drafts and storyboards, consulting with team members and editors, and performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a 3D animator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.
3d animators and animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Animator | Animator | |
| Average salary | $73,596 | $76,853 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $108,000 | Between $52,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Nevada |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Media |
There are a few differences between a 3d animator and an animator in terms of educational background:
| 3D Animator | Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Animation | Animation |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d animators' and animators' demographics:
| 3D Animator | Animator | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |