Hot Job: 3D Animator

3D animator jobs are getting a big boost thanks to growing interest in the role across many industries. While initially popularized by media and gaming, 3D animations are now used in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, education and many other fields. Furthermore, the demand for 3D visual design skills will continue to rise with the expansion of the metaverse and VR/AR (virtual and augmented reality) technologies.

Translating emotion and movement into animations requires a unique skill set and understanding of many disciplines, including acting, cinematography, interactive storytelling, graphic art and computer programming.

Are you interested in becoming a 3D animator? Here are the required skills, salary expectations and employment opportunities.

3D animator salary benchmarks

According to the 2023 Salary Guide From Robert Half, the median starting salary for 3D animators is $74,750. Of course, the job location, industry and previous work experience can all affect the starting rate you should be offered. Use the Robert Half Salary Calculator to determine average starting salaries for 3D animator jobs in your area.

Duties and expectations for 3D animator jobs

On any given day, a 3D animator may take on various tasks to create characters, visual effects and even scenery. These professionals use their technical and design skills to breathe life into their digital creations. Different projects have different demands, but understanding movement and basic art principles like lines, shadow, light and perspective are always necessary.

The typical duties for a 3D animator job include:

Meeting with clients and key stakeholders, such as directors, actors, project managers, designers and other animators, to determine the scope of the work and deadlines
Researching subjects to ensure accurate animated representations
Communicating with other designers to ensure a cohesive product vision
Storyboarding to develop scenes that require animation
Using software to create animated characters, scenes and graphics
Adjusting colors, lighting, shadows, object proportions and textures to create lifelike appearances
Integrating client and stakeholder feedback into final designs

Ultimately, your creative process will depend on the industry and your position within the firm you end up working for. While you might be hired as a full-time employee for a company, 3D animators also often work on a contract basis to complete specific projects.

Professional experience and skills for 3D animators

Most 3D animators hold a bachelor’s degree in animation, graphic design, fine arts or computer science. Many companies desire candidates with at least five years of experience. If you’re beginning your career, consider applying for an internship or apprenticeship at a company to get your foot in the door — especially in the entertainment industry.

3D animators should be versed in various industry-standard applications, including Maya, Maxon Cinema 4D, Blender, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

While technical savvy and an artistic eye are undoubtedly critical to succeeding as a 3D animator, employers also look for candidates with solid soft skills. They include time management, multitasking, collaboration and communication. In fact, the best animators and motion designers are over-communicative with their questions, edits, feedback, follow-up and so forth. They work swiftly and set clear timelines for the client.

3D animators must also be able to work as part of a team, giving and receiving feedback productively. Having these qualities and talking about them during interviews shows employers that you can interact with others effectively to produce exceptional work.

The difference-makers: portfolio and demo reel

A solid 3D animation portfolio or demo reel will help differentiate your job application from fellow candidates. These resources should highlight your best work and show potential employers what you’re capable of producing.

Your portfolio should contain various pieces that can help illustrate your range. Consider including life drawings, scenes or original characters and locations. You should also add examples of different formats — such as paintings, sketches, sculptures or computer graphics — to emphasize the breadth of your abilities.

A demo reel is a collection of short clips from animations you’ve produced. A good rule of thumb is to keep the reel under two minutes. Choose a variety that includes your work on different characters, types of motion, backgrounds and visual effects.

If you lack formal experience in a technique or industry relevant to the 3D animator job you are aiming for, try creating an example on your own. This will highlight your initiative and interest in that particular area.

See these tips for creating a digital portfolio that pops.

Ready to start your 3D animator job search?

Need help with your search for a 3D animator job? Robert Half’s recruiters can help you find on-site or remote positions that align with your professional skills, experience and interests.