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Job outlook for motion graphics designers in the United States
Are motion graphics designer jobs in demand?
Motion graphics designer job and salary trends over time
Motion graphics designer jobs over time
Motion graphics designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,953 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,236 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,445 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,416 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,477 | 0.00% |
Average motion graphics designer salary over time
Motion graphics designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,558 | $30.08 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $61,070 | $29.36 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $59,031 | $28.38 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $57,073 | $27.44 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $55,831 | $26.84 | +1.6% |
Motion graphics designer jobs by state
Most common states for motion graphics designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 210 | 30% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 796 | 11% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 686 | 10% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 430 | 10% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 116 | 9% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,093 | 8% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 651 | 8% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 753 | 7% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 401 | 7% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 230 | 7% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 76 | 7% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,272 | 6% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 706 | 6% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 383 | 6% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 367 | 6% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 355 | 6% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 598 | 5% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 559 | 5% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 189 | 5% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 68 | 5% |
Most common cities for motion graphics designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beverly Hills | 2 | 6% | $72,929 |
| 2 | Moorpark | 2 | 5% | $73,542 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 8 | 2% | $48,978 |
| 4 | Stamford | 2 | 2% | $62,779 |
| 5 | Eden Prairie | 1 | 2% | $53,129 |
| 6 | Hendersonville | 1 | 2% | $54,992 |
| 7 | Burbank | 1 | 1% | $73,000 |
| 8 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $56,508 |
| 9 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $72,856 |
| 10 | New York | 5 | 0% | $68,977 |
| 11 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $64,357 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $82,658 |
| 13 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $50,880 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $60,452 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $82,658 |
| 16 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $69,126 |
| 17 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $64,987 |
Motion Graphics Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of motion graphics designer experts
Arcadia University
Memphis College of Art
Pennsylvania College of Technology
University of Akron
Kean University
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Montclair State University
Flagler College
Arizona State University
Mississippi College
Angelina College
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Howard University
Stonehill College
California State University - Stanislaus
Kansas City Art Institute
Maryland Institute College of Art
What Motion Graphics Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tiffany Prater: Never stop learning because life never stops teaching. This quote by Kirill Korshikov rings true for new designers, who must know the latest trends and tools to be uniquely creative, improve their skills, and land a better design job. Knowledge and inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere in our daily lives.
What will help Motion Graphics Designers increase their earning potential?
Tiffany Prater: There are several ways to maximize your salary potential. If you have the time to pick up a few night classes on top of your job, take courses in either Art Direction, Copywriting, Photography, UX/UI design, Social, or Strategic planning. If you'd like to take a break from the private sector, getting a Master of Fine Arts degree is even better as it can lead to higher design jobs and teaching positions.
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
Christian Patchell: There is a ton of opportunity and burgeoning markets opening up every day. We discuss this in my classes. The landscape of the arts changes at a faster pace than ever, but change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. With each new evolution there comes new opportunities. For example, many of my students find themselves interested in UX/UI. This is an area with a lot of opportunity for a new Designer but only if there is a passion for the Market. Even though this is a field first identified in the early 90s, I’d say that in the last decade or so it really has hit the Design World hard. This doesn’t mean that designing for print has to take a back seat. Print is more popular than ever in terms of designing and creating objects (books, packaging, etc.) that many of us refer to as art objects, interactive objects, or objects of influence. Telling a good story through the design of an object is pushing Graphic Design into wonderful areas and is really starting to connect with audiences on entirely new levels. Don’t let the articles listing the “Top 10 Majors at Universities” or the “25 Most Popular Jobs” fool you, Art and Design are more relevant and more important than ever before.
What will help Motion Graphics Designers increase their earning potential?
Christian Patchell: Oddly, what most people like and dislike are the same thing. Designers many times stand at a starting point, the line where technology and art merge into something beautiful and engaging. We are early adopters, curious where the digital and traditional merge into something new or different. Making something “new” and “different” over and over again can be a difficult climb. But if you are someone with a wealth of ideas and likes to solve problems creatively, the challenge of Graphic Design may be right for you. The other side of that coin is technology. A Graphic Designer needs to stay current on emerging technologies while maintaining an eye on trends and changes in the culture. While in school it is quite easy to stay up to date on programs that are the industry standards (Adobe Publishing Suite, Figma, etc.) it can be more difficult to do this once you have graduated. As a teaching professional I try to keep my skill set current on an annual basis (sometimes shorter) so I can be of service to my students and relevant in my field. As a Graphic Designer if you do your job right, no one may really see it. However, if you do it wrong in even the slightest way, everyone might see it. At the end of the day though there is nothing quite like seeing your design out in the wild. Whether part of a team or as an individual, a Graphic Designer is given an opportunity to share their work, their art, with an extremely large audience and instigate change while creating something personal and telling a good story. That feeling of accomplishment, for me at least, outweighs any cons there might be in this creative field.
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
Lucas Charles: As graphic design graduates embark on their careers, nurturing curiosity, continuous upskilling, networking, and collaboration are pivotal. Embracing curiosity sparks innovation, while ongoing learning ensures relevance in a fast-paced industry. Building connections fosters opportunities, and collaboration cultivates dynamic work environments.
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
Kathryn Anderson: Some of the day-to-day duties of a graphic designer entail some basic skills such as the following: listen attentively; engage in and interpret research (visual, text-driven, data-based, etc.); problem-solve; process and critique creative ideas; use technology in an ethical and appropriate manner; prepare digital and other work/files for printing and/or the web; and revamp concepts as per the client’s wishes.
What Motion Graphics Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kathryn Anderson: A Graphic Designer’s work-life is rather sedentary and repetitive. However, any astute employer will encourage a bit of exercise and play throughout the course of the day to keep their team focused and happy. Other downsides might be: fast deadlines or short turn-arounds, insufficient communication from a client, and mandatory overtime hours. Mostly, the benefits out-weight the negatives. In today’s virtual world, more designers can and do work remotely or in hybrid environments—which is a plus for those who have child-care or other familial responsibilities.
What will help Motion Graphics Designers increase their earning potential?
Kathryn Anderson: With the advent of AI, graphic designers must be valued for their technical and critical thinking skills. Graphic Designers of today provide more than just what the client wants or envisions, but rather a uniquely hyper-focused solution that can stand the test of time because of the insightful research and intense amount of processing and editing that is embedded in the design.
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
David Flynn: Everything that you see has been touched by a designer. The field is expanding with technology, but basic communication design principals remain paramount. It doesn’t matter if it’s a newspaper ad or a social post, you must have a professional that knows how to communicate a message, move the viewer's eye, and make the point. Designers work in every company and in every industry, worldwide.
What Motion Graphics Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Flynn: They like that it can be very lucrative, so rewarding when you see your work in the world, nothing like it really. Downside is that “creativity on demand” is difficult to sustain and you have to purpose to take care of your creative soul.
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
Dr. Denise Anderson: When mentoring students in developing their final portfolios and preparing them for professional practice I ask them “What makes you stand out above the line” or simply put, what separates you from all the other designers looking for a job. This could be prestigious internships, knowing motion or 3D rendering skills and then I tell them to promote their strengths. For example, my student Myesha Bennett spent four years in the Navy to pay for college. What she learned along the way shaped her as the designer she is today and these lessons made her stand above the line.
What will help Motion Graphics Designers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Denise Anderson: Similar to question 1, leverage what you have done prior to entering the field. It takes my students 6-8 weeks to complete their resumes and personal because the image and content needs to be authentic. Perception is a lot in our field and I train students to feel confident about themselves. Portfolios get students an interview but they need to communicate their value to get hired.
What Motion Graphics Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Allen Garcie MFA: One way that a new graduate can maximize their earning potential is by gaining professional experience as soon as possible. Freelance work is a great way to do this! Another way is for a new graduate to work towards earning a field-specific professional certificate (For example, both the American Institute for Graphic Arts [AIGA] and the American Marketing Association [AMA] offer these.), a software-related certification (Adobe and Autodesk offer these.), or an advanced degree (Such as an MA or MFA.). While gaining employment in the design field is primarily related to your portfolio and related experience, additional credentials can still make you more competitive.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What general advice would you give to a Motion Graphics Designer?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Two things to keep in mind; the first is that you must keep up with your computer skills. Software and technology, especially AI, are rapidly advancing. It’s important to stay in the know and to continue learning as new things come to the market. The second is to be as versatile as you can. The job markets are getting tougher, and you need to be able to cast a wide net when looking for work. You shouldn’t worry too much about finding a specialization until you're in your mid-career.
What Motion Graphics Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: 1. have a great portfolio demonstrating your design skills’ diversity of design abilities. I.e., show you how you can create designs that are historic, contemporary, and cutting-edge. 2. Demonstrate your ability to think critically and apply information. While AI will soon be able to take over the graphical representation of the design, it is unlikely that it will be able to use critical thinking and deductive reasoning. 3. Use your interview to show your employer you have skills they don’t have in the office and those skills will get them clients. I would research their projects and website, identify a weakness, and then demonstrate in your portfolio that I have the skills to help address existing weaknesses. Once an employer sees that what you bring to the table has value, you’ll be in a better negotiation position.
Dr. Andy Curran
Professor, Area CoordinatorUniversity of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Digital Media Communications
What hard/technical skills are most important for Motion Graphics Designers?
Dr. Andy Curran: -File management
-Computer literacy skills
-Software proficiency
What skills will help Motion Graphics Designers earn the most?
Dr. Andy Curran: Creative skills, particularly knowing how to craft an appropriate message for each project.
How have salaries changed over time for Motion Graphics Designers?
John Luttropp: Salaries change based on demand, and current demand is in the areas of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), as well as the growing area of Motion Graphics and Augmented Reality (AR). Even in more traditional print-based areas-many of which are evolving into digital formats-designers need to be have a broad vision that connects print to digital experiences. Another area of growing demand is design related to analytics-display of information by the use of easy-to-understand graphics such as charts and graphs, many of which are now interactive.
Diana Lodi
Assistant Professor of Graphic DesignFlagler College
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Motion Graphics Designer job market given the pandemic?
Diana Lodi: There will be a continued trend of remote interactions for both the interviewing process and meetings as the video/webinar formats provide face-to-face interactions without the need to travel. Some companies may be more willing to offer flex-schedules or full-remote options as well.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Motion Graphics Designers?
Diana Lodi: Adobe certifications are available for software skills; however, courses focused on understanding diversity and inclusion best practices are more desirable. As brands continue to become more aware of the non-negotiables of their brand followers, designers also need to be well-versed in guiding the client to make informed choices on representation.
How have salaries changed over time for Motion Graphics Designers?
Diana Lodi: Salaries have progressed at a steady state. There has always been an emphasis on finding Graphic Designers who are also well-versed in web design, app development, and UX design. Possessing knowledge in AI and VR technologies could also impact pay scales in the future.
Prescott Perez-Fox
Lecturer - Graphic Information TechnologyArizona State University
The Polytechnic School
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Motion Graphics Designer job market given the pandemic?
Prescott Perez-Fox: It may sound obvious, but remote interviewing will become normal. Remote work in general is here to stay. The ability to communicate to a camera and work a productive day from your home office is essential in the modern era. All that advice about shaking hands is demoted to a footnote. Ditch the suits and ties for a crisp black t-shirt.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Motion Graphics Designers?
Benjamin Ivey: The enduring impact the pandemic will have on recent graduates will be a reliance on teleconferencing and online visual communication. Before coronavirus, we were accustomed to meeting "in person" for classes, interviews, and conferences. We only needed to be online for email, social media, and the occasional video. Now, it's the new norm for all classes and group meetings to have an online component. Employers are expecting to see portfolios and resumes online. Meeting in-person for your first job interview will be outmoded in favor of meeting via FaceTime or Zoom. Since many recent graduates are savvy with this technology, I don't foresee the trend changing anytime soon. People have quickly and readily embraced it.
What type of skills will young Motion Graphics Designers need?
Benjamin Ivey: Employers want to know that you are a good problem solver. New software, social media platforms, and computers are always coming down the pipe, so younger generations are expected to understand those needs and trends. If you are the kind of employee who can suggest better/faster/cheaper ways of working, then you are a golden investment for any company.
Reginald Reynolds
ProfessorAngelina College
Design & Applied Arts/Graphic Arts/Film Production
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Motion Graphics Designers?
Reginald Reynolds: There is value in working with vectors and bezier curves in Adobe Illustrator. Image editing in Photoshop and film/video editing in Premiere Pro, important. Skill with stills and video, important. We even have a wet-chemistry photography course. There is 3-D printing, biometrics for design and a VR component to the digital imaging courses. All important!
All of the technical courses are presented within the context of art and design. The mantra is, "we do not teach to the tools, we teach to the design problem".
What's a good job out of college for Motion Graphics Designers?
Reginald Reynolds: So "What is a good job out of college?" Any job that will challenge your ability to solve design problems and pay your rent is a good job.
But most of all, communication, writing skills and the ability to interact with various personality types on projects with clients effectively can put a talented designer on the short list when job hunting.
What soft skills should all Motion Graphics Designers possess?
John Cinco: Skills in software and design should also be tailored to the capabilities needed by the prospective employer. A capacity for reading into a client's unstated needs and generating innovative and well-thought-out solutions can bode well for an aspiring designer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Motion Graphics Designer job market given the pandemic?
Alexander McSwain: Versatility, like the job market post housing market crash a decade ago, companies are having to cut back their workforce due to a range of reasons. So, having someone with a range of skills is more appealing to companies while the "ship is being steadied". As a designer, knowing email and social media marketing, layout, web design, and more importantly motion graphics.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Motion Graphics Designers?
Matthew Greene: Theatre has been hit particularly hard during the pandemic. Theatres worldwide have been dark since March, and best-case-scenarios doesn't have them opening until next fall. Recent graduates enter a field that is on hold. Current students are having to perform scene work on Zoom or masked at a distance. It's all quite antithetical to the immediacy and connection that is at the heart of how we typically train students. That is not to say we have thrown our hands in the air, but instead have taken the challenge to produce productions in unconventional ways. Ultimately, this will benefit recent and future graduates by forcing them to engage audiences in new and creative ways.
What soft skills should all Motion Graphics Designers possess?
John Mayer Ph.D.: Thorough ability to read and write and communicate efficiently and inclusively.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Motion Graphics Designers?
John Mayer Ph.D.: None really in the professional world. MFA or PhD in the academic world are essential.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Motion Graphics Designers?
John Ferry: I believe so - how can we have something this significant happen and not have it affect our lives in a noticeable way. I actually think there are advantages to having this happen . . . If you look for the positives you'll find them . . . if you look for the negatives you'll find them . . . I can't speculate on what that impact will be - but, we'll all be impacted, Professors and Students. At the very least we are all a lot more familiar with how to navigate virtual meetings.
What type of skills will young Motion Graphics Designers need?
John Ferry: The most important skill is in my opinion, age old - a solid work ethic. . . I recommend reading Steven Pressfild's "Turning Pro", It really provides a lot of insight on how to think like a professional - it even defines professionals in other ways than just collecting payment for your work. Setting a routine is also important - making sure your work gets done and you are continuing to practice and grow your skills. Research publications and art directors that you'd like to work for. . . Also, our graduates won't enter just one cookie cutter workforce. In the past we've had students work at Hallmark Cards Inc. At local advertising agencies like C3 and Sprint. We've had students apprentice and go into tattooing. . . others have gone the gallery/fine art approach. . . a few go on to graduate school. . . as you can see the students will have to tailor their skills towards what interests them creatively.
It's not necessarily experience, but I think it's important to set up a website and be sure they are utilizing social media. . . One frustration I have is that too many students use crazy names on their Instagram media, not their own name. . . it makes them look unprofessional, and makes it harder on them not only to be taken seriously - but confusing on what to call them and where to see their website.
What experience really stands out on Motion Graphics Designer resumes?
John Ferry: I think for a student that internships really stand out. Showing you've worked for an agency or freelance artist and received payment for this experience. It shows you can work with other people and demonstrate some professional experience. At Kansas City Art Institute, where I teach in the Illustration Department, we require all students to take either an internship or mentorship.
I also think showing published work is important. One internship that used to be available in the past was at The Kansas City Star Newspaper. The students were able to do weekly illustrations featured in their publication. It gave them an excellent opportunity to work with art directors, illustrate a concept and work on their portfolio.