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Special effects designer vs 3d artist

The differences between special effects designers and 3d artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special effects designer and a 3d artist. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $71,523 average annual salary of a special effects designer.

Special effects designer vs 3d artist overview

Special Effects Designer3D Artist
Yearly salary$71,523$74,721
Hourly rate$34.39$35.92
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs54,3143,978
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Special effects designer vs 3d artist salary

Special effects designers and 3d artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Effects Designer3D Artist
Average salary$71,523$74,721
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $125,000Between $47,000 And $116,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between special effects designer and 3d artist education

There are a few differences between a special effects designer and a 3d artist in terms of educational background:

Special Effects Designer3D Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorGraphic DesignAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Special effects designer vs 3d artist demographics

Here are the differences between special effects designers' and 3d artists' demographics:

Special Effects Designer3D Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 64.1% Female, 35.9%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between special effects designer and 3d artist duties and responsibilities

Special effects designer example responsibilities.

  • Modify SRV-1 source code using JavaScript software to attain tracking at any instantaneous time.
  • Develop handbags from initial sketch through final product including material sourcing, development of prototypes, sampling and technical specifications.
  • Provide additional support with occasional photo and video shoots, video editing and animation.

3d artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
  • Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
  • Generate programs for CNC punch press.
  • Help team create nodes for nuke.
  • Contract as a 3D visualization designer & animator.
  • Show more

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