Special effects artists and animators
SOC Code: 27-1014
Special effects artists and animators carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $99,800 and +1.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 57,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Special effects artists and animators (SOC 27-1014) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 57,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $99,800, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Special effects artists and animators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- 2. Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- 3. Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- 4. Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
- 5. Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
- 6. Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- 7. Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
- 8. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- 9. Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
- 10. Assemble, typeset, scan, and produce digital camera-ready art or film negatives and printer's proofs.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Communications and Media
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Special effects artists and animators?
Special effects artists and animators has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Special effects artists and animators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Special effects artists and animators is projected to grow by 1.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 57,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Special effects artists and animators?
Key skills for Special effects artists and animators include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Special effects artists and animators earn?
The median annual wage for Special effects artists and animators is $99,800, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Special effects artists and animators?
The typical entry-level education for Special effects artists and animators is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Special effects artists and animators?
Special effects artists and animators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).