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Special effects designer vs character animator

The differences between special effects designers and character 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 special effects designer and a character animator. Additionally, a character animator has an average salary of $72,126, which is higher than the $71,523 average annual salary of a special effects designer.

Special effects designer vs character animator overview

Special Effects DesignerCharacter Animator
Yearly salary$71,523$72,126
Hourly rate$34.39$34.68
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs54,314416
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Special effects designer vs character animator salary

Special effects designers and character animators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Effects DesignerCharacter Animator
Average salary$71,523$72,126
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $125,000Between $46,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-The Walt Disney Company
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between special effects designer and character animator education

There are a few differences between a special effects designer and a character animator in terms of educational background:

Special Effects DesignerCharacter Animator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorGraphic DesignAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Special effects designer vs character animator demographics

Here are the differences between special effects designers' and character animators' demographics:

Special Effects DesignerCharacter Animator
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 64.1% Female, 35.9%Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%
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, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between special effects designer and character animator 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.

Character animator example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of artists to create the art and animation for motion comics aspects of the show.
  • Direct and create concise, detail storyboards for animation sequences and short animation promotional films.
  • Character animation, fixing models and directing needs, interactive design and function charts for development character animation.
  • Animate creatures, vehicles, props, and characters for a AAA title.
  • Establish key layout of scenes and render main characters to finish from storyboards.
  • Create character and asset designs with materials and storyboards from client alongside a production team.
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Updated January 8, 2025

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