Animator
Bring characters and stories to life for film, TV, games and online video.
This UK animator career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £100,000+
- Work environment
- Studio or remote, project-based
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Helpful (animation degree) but showreel decides
- Category
- Design and Creative
What a Animator does
Bring characters and stories to life for film, TV, games and online video.
- 2D Animator - Hand-drawn or vector animation for film, TV or social.
- 3D Character Animator - Animate characters for games and film.
How to become a Animator
- Look up Animator roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Animator - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- 12 principles of animation
- Maya or Blender
- Storytelling
- Acting reference
- Patience