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The differences between compositors and animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a compositor, becoming an animator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $45,101 average annual salary of a compositor.
The top three skills for a compositor include VFX, visual effects and animation. The most important skills for an animator are animation, motion capture, and storyboards.
| Compositor | Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $45,101 | $76,853 |
| Hourly rate | $21.68 | $36.95 |
| Growth rate | - | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 154 | 551 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Compositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture. Following the direction of the style chosen for the set is part of these compositors' responsibilities. These workers create their visual effects and high-quality composites using special effects (SFX) like 2D and 3D animation and CGIs. They use these digital elements to create convincing shadows, enhance a picture's lighting, and static background plates.
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.
Compositors and animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Compositor | Animator | |
| Average salary | $45,101 | $76,853 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $85,000 | Between $52,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Pittsfield, MA | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Dassault Systèmes | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a compositor and an animator in terms of educational background:
| Compositor | Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Animation | Animation |
| Most common college | - | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between compositors' and animators' demographics:
| Compositor | Animator | |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 5% | 11% |