3D animator
Also known as: 3D animators, computer-generated imagery animator, 3D designer, CGI animator, CGI designer
About this occupation
3D animators are in charge of animating 3D models of objects, virtual environments, layouts, characters and 3D virtual animated agents.
A specialisation of animator.
Essential skills and knowledge
- 3D lighting
- create 3D environments
- apply 3D imaging techniques
- animate 3D organic forms
- create 3D characters
- principles of animation
- render 3D images
- confer on artwork
- operate 3D computer graphics software
- 3D texturing
- rig 3D characters
- particle animation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Special Effects Artists and Animators (O*NET 27-1014.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- 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.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning
US median pay: US$102,030 a year (2025), 19,970 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (5.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.2)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.7)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Graphic Designers
- Film and Video Editors
- Art Directors
- Video Game Designers
- Producers and Directors
- Desktop Publishers
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Photographers
- Media Technical Directors/Managers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.