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The differences between 3d animators and motion graphics designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a 3d animator, becoming a motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d animator has an average salary of $73,596, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.
The top three skills for a 3d animator include animation, storyboards and visualization. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.
| 3D Animator | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,596 | $62,558 |
| Hourly rate | $35.38 | $30.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 571 | 44,960 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
A motion graphic designer specializes in producing artworks used in television, film, and web. Their responsibilities often revolve around submitting within a deadline, attending creative meetings, collaborating with fellow designers, following directives from clients, producing trial designs, and editing them in adherence to senior designers or clients' recommendations. There are also instances when a motion graphic designer must manage documentation, address inquiries and concerns, and report to higher-ranking personnel. Furthermore, one may choose to work for a company or independently.
3d animators and motion graphics designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Animator | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average salary | $73,596 | $62,558 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $108,000 | Between $44,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a 3d animator and a motion graphics designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Animator | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d animators' and motion graphics designers' demographics:
| 3D Animator | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 13% |