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Compositor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, compositors don't need a college education. The most common degree for compositors is bachelor's degree with 76% graduates, with only 11% compositor graduates earning associate degree. Compositors who decided to graduate from college often finish Full Sail University or Savannah College of Art and Design. Some good skills to have in this position include vfx, visual effects and animation.

What education do you need to become a compositor?

What degree do you need to be a compositor?

The most common degree for compositors is bachelor's degree, with 76% of compositors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 11% and associate degree degree at 7%.
  • Bachelor's, 76%
  • Associate, 11%
  • Master's, 7%
  • Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become a compositor?

You should major in animation to become a compositor. 19% of compositors major in animation. Other common majors for a compositor include graphic design and photography.

Best majors for compositors

20 best online courses for compositors

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1. Introduction to Nuke VFX Compositing: The Essentials - NK101

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6. The Complete Adobe After Effects Bootcamp: Basic to Advanced

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Learn Adobe After Effects CC: Master Motion Graphics, VFX Visual Effects & VFX Compositing - 50+ Real World Project...

7. After Effects - Motion Graphics & Data Visualization

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Using Adobe After Effects create beautiful VFX Visual Effects, data visualization & VFX Compositing...

8. Complete Graphics Design and Video Editing Masterclass

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9. Fundamentals of VFX

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10. Learn Basics Of Adobe After Effects CC for Beginners

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Learn basics of After Effects, Compositing ,Visual Effects (VFX), Motion Graphics and Animation...

11. Graphic Design Mastery- AI, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign

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13. Master Graphic Design & Software with Practical Projects

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14. Blender for VFX - Learn to add realistic CGI into footage

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15. Graphic Design Masterclass - Learn GREAT Design

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16. 47 Graphic Design Projects for Photoshop Beginners

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17. Graphic Design Theory - Color & Contrast

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Use Color And Contrast Masterfully In Your Design Projects...

18. Maya For FX Artists - Projects Based Course

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Learn Maya from scratch by creating variety of short projects : NO previous knowledge required...

19. Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

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Design 4 Beautiful eye catching Graphic Design Projects from Scratch with Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design Basics...

20. Graphic Design Masterclass: Learn Graphic Design in Projects

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Graphic design principles, typography, & color mastery using Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop. For beginners & more!...

Average compositor salary by education level

Compositors with a High School Diploma degree earn more than those without, at $47,520 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, compositors earn a median annual income of $46,925 compared to $46,438 for compositors with an Associate degree.
Compositor education levelCompositor salary
High School Diploma or Less$47,520
Bachelor's Degree$46,925
Some College/ Associate Degree$46,438

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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