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First, some facts. Of the Animation graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 135 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Animation graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 15% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Animation graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 44% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from California State University-San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Animation. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHelper Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings (Now part of Arconic) Jul 2016 - May 2017 Unit Process Controller  Howmet Aerospace May 2017 - Aug 2023 ABOUTWith a half a decade of experience in quality assurance in the field of aerospace, paired with a proper work ethic and a Can do attitude; I would be a valuable asset to any company that is seeking an edge over the competition. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Animation, it becomes evident that many of them have found themselves in roles that closely tie back to their education. A common trend is the prevalence of positions like Animator, Storyboard Artist, and Technical Artist, which require a robust understanding of animation principles and techniques. These positions make direct use of the skills that were cultivated during their studies, helping to bridge the gap between academic training and professional application.
Most notably, many graduates secure roles that directly engage with animation, such as animators or technical artists at companies like Pixar, DreamWorks, or various smaller animation studios. These positions require a strong grasp of the techniques and software commonly taught in Animation programs. For example, roles such as 2D Animator, 3D Animator, and Character Designer often reflect a high degree of relevance to their degrees. Yet, not all job choices align so closely with their academic backgrounds. Several profiled individuals took paths into graphic design, editing, or freelance roles, where the connection to their Animation education became less direct.
This is particularly evident in cases where graduates ended up in positions like sales representatives, administrative roles, or vastly different fields, such as nursing or IT. Such roles tend to utilize only peripheral skills related to their Animation backgrounds, if at all, suggesting a degree of disconnect from their artistic training. While many have transitioned to develop careers that capitalize on their animation skills, a notable number have veered onto adjacent paths, potentially diluting the relevance of their education in animation. Therefore, while the Animation degree fosters specific skills that can lead to fulfilling careers, the job market's variability means that not every job held by a graduate is necessarily aligned with their intended career trajectory in animation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Animation graduates:
When looking at these Animation graduates and their career trajectories, it's clear that there’s quite a variety of paths people have taken. While many have managed to stay within the animation and entertainment industries, others have drifted into roles that are far removed from their studies. Early on, a lot of graduates seem to land positions in entry-level jobs or internships related to their field—like technical artists, storyboard artists, or 2D animators. For instance, several folks who graduated from places like Savannah College of Art and Design found themselves working as 2D animators right off the bat, which is definitely in the spirit of what they studied.
However, as we look five to ten years later, there is a more mixed bag of outcomes. On one hand, some graduates have moved up to more significant roles like directors, art directors, or lead artists in various prestigious companies, like Pixar or Warner Bros. Others, however, have had careers that drift significantly from animation. A number of people ended up in industries like retail, graphic design unrelated to animation, or even administrative roles at companies that don’t leverage their animation skills. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the reality is that not everyone finds that perfect niche in animation or related fields, and many are forced to adapt and find alternative ways to make ends meet.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a degree in Animation, it’s a field filled with potential but also uncertainty. The initial jobs may align well with your creative ambitions, but as the years go by, it’s essential to stay flexible and open to the various opportunities that come your way, even if they stray from the animation dream. It’s definitely possible to build a fulfilling career in animation, but it’s just as common for graduates to find themselves in unrelated fields, which can be a bit discouraging for those who were really passionate about their studies.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Animation can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your passion and dedication to the craft. You’ll be juggling a mix of creativity and technical skills, which means you’ll spend a lot of time in front of a computer refining your drawing skills, learning various software, and working on projects that demand a lot of detail and imagination. Plus, there’s often a fair amount of group work and critiques that can be a bit tough to navigate. If you've got a love for storytelling and a willingness to put in the hours, it can be an incredibly fulfilling journey, but it's not exactly a walk in the park! So, if you're hoping for an easy ride, you might want to think again.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Animation.
So, if we look at these Animation graduates and their careers, it's clear that there's a mixed bag when it comes to earnings. Like, take the one who graduated from BYU and worked as a Lead Technical Artist at THE VOID and then started their own entertainment company; that sounds like a solid path, and they’ve probably made some decent money. On the flip side, some others had a stint of freelancing or short-term jobs that might not provide the same financial stability, especially if they’re still carving out their careers or are working in lower-paying positions like serving or as production assistants.
Overall, it looks like those who landed roles in established companies, like Pixar or Warner Bros., likely have a stronger paycheck. In contrast, those bouncing around freelance gigs or in entry-level jobs might not be raking in as much cash yet. The animation industry can vary widely when it comes to salary, so while some seem to be doing well, others might still be hustling to make it work.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Animation. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Animation (ordered by the average relevance score of their Animation graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
68 | 27 |