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The differences between 3d artists and 3d 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 artist and a 3d animator. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $73,596 average annual salary of a 3d animator.
The top three skills for a 3d artist include animation, unity and zbrush. The most important skills for a 3d animator are animation, storyboards, and visualization.
| 3D Artist | 3D Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $74,721 | $73,596 |
| Hourly rate | $35.92 | $35.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 3,978 | 571 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A 3D Artist uses complex software to develop graphics and animations for use in various media, such as video games, television shows, and multimedia presentations. They often work in teams, dividing project workloads in accordance to strengths.
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.
3d artists and 3d animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Artist | 3D Animator | |
| Average salary | $74,721 | $73,596 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $116,000 | Between $50,000 And $108,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Meta | NVIDIA |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Media |
There are a few differences between a 3d artist and a 3d animator in terms of educational background:
| 3D Artist | 3D Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Animation | Animation |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d artists' and 3d animators' demographics:
| 3D Artist | 3D Animator | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |