In this article, we will look at the 15 highest paying countries for animators. We have also discussed the growth and demand in the global animation market. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Animators.
According to Precedence research, the global animation market witnessed substantial growth, reaching $392.54 billion in 2022, with projections to surpass $779.73 billion by 2032, indicating a promising CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2032. This expansive sector includes different forms of visual storytelling, ranging from traditional hand-drawn animation to cutting-edge CGI and stop-motion techniques, utilized across various platforms like film, television, gaming, and online media.
Technological advancements, particularly in communication and technology sectors, are pivotal drivers propelling the animation industry forward. Innovations like generative AI models and extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality and artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing creative possibilities within animation, offering new avenues for growth and experimentation. Additionally, the rising adoption of visual effects technology in filmmaking further fuels industry expansion.
It is important to note that former Dreamworks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg predicts that AI will revolutionize animation, reducing production time and labor by 90% within three years. While AI’s integration may disrupt industries like media and entertainment, Katzenberg sees it as a creative tool akin to a new paintbrush or camera, democratizing storytelling and offering new opportunities for artists. Despite concerns about job displacement, he believes individual creativity will remain paramount in generating inspiration, with AI serving as a prompt. To read more about AI displacing jobs, see Jobs That Will Disappear in the Future Due to AI.
The demand for graphic design, video editing, illustration, and 3D animation is increasing under the freelancing industry as well. With graphic designers charging up to $125 per hour, video editors up to $100, illustrators up to $75, and 3D animators up to $110, the high-paying nature of these skills is evident. As businesses increasingly rely on digital marketing and communication strategies, the need for visually appealing content across various platforms continues to grow, driving the demand for these creative services. To read more about in-demand skills, see 18 In Demand Skills for Freelancers.
While North America currently dominates the animation market, major growth is now anticipated in Asia Pacific, driven by increased demand in developing economies and strategic initiatives within the automotive industry. Furthermore, the integration of animation into education and academic sectors, facilitated by simulation technology, is poised to enhance learning experiences and foster industry growth. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as the shortage of skilled professionals and labor costs remain pertinent concerns that may impact market dynamics and hinder technological progress in the animation sector.
Before getting into our list of the highest paying countries for animators, let’s look at the key players in the animation industry.
Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) Animation Studios has left an indelible mark on the world of animation, shaping aesthetic norms and introducing techniques that have become industry standards. Over decades, it stood as the top American animation studio, developing practices fundamental to traditional animation and introducing innovations like storyboarding, now ubiquitous across animated and live-action filmmaking. Its iconic characters—Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and others—have permeated popular culture, symbolizing the Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS)’s legacy. Notably, films like Frozen, Zootopia, and Frozen II have achieved monumental commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing films globally. Despite transitioning primarily to 3D computer animation due to profitability, Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) Animation remains open to hand-drawn projects, signaling a commitment to its rich artistic heritage.
Despite the popularity and leadership of the company in the animation market, Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS), is preparing to reduce its workforce following the completion of several projects, with the exact number of job cuts yet to be determined, according to a Reuters source. While earlier reports suggested layoffs could reach up to 20%, reducing the studio’s team from 1,300 to under 1,000, the source disputed this figure.
Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS)’s strategic shift under CEO Bob Iger aims to minimize costs by reducing in-house streaming content production and instead licensing shows and movies from external sources. Last year, Pixar eliminated 75 positions, including key executives, in its first significant job cut in a decade, despite successes like the film “Elemental,” which garnered nearly $500 million worldwide.
On the other hand, Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) plans to increase its investment in feature animation in 2024, following the success of films like ‘Leo’ and ‘The Sea Beast.’ Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed at the UBS Global Media and Communication Conference that Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) intends to allocate a major portion of its projected $17 billion programming budget to this genre. Sarandos cited the growing popularity of animated titles among subscribers, noting that eight of the top ten most-streamed movies are animated features.
The announcement arrived with Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX)’s recent restructuring, which involved layoffs in its animation division. Despite initially reducing its in-house production, Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX)’s success with original animations like ‘Leo’ prompts a potential reassessment of its strategy. The streaming service has also inked distribution deals with external producers, indicating a hybrid approach to content creation. With upcoming releases like ‘Dawn of the Nugget,’ Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) remains committed to offering animated content for its audience.
A close-up of a worker managing the intricate process of personalizing promotional cards on a lithographic printing machine.
Our Methodology
To list the highest paying countries for animators we identified the countries with the highest demand for animation professionals and then made a list for 25 countries with the average salaries for 3D animators. Of those 25, the 15 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of 3D Animators for each country from the Economic Research Institute (ERI). The list is presented in ascending order.
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Here is a list of the top paying countries for animators:
15. Finland
Average Salary: $70,515
Finland sees a growing demand for 3D animation, fueled by diverse industries like gaming, entertainment, advertising, and education. With a thriving tech ecosystem, skilled talent pool, and government support, the country is becoming a hotspot for animation studios and freelancers. Hence, it is considered one of the best countries for animators.
14. Canada
Average Salary: $70,774
The demand for graphic designers and Illustrators is expected to remain balanced from 2022 to 2031. With 27,300 new job openings anticipated due to expansion and replacement demand, and 33,000 new job seekers entering the market from various sources such as school leavers and immigration, the supply and demand levels are projected to be relatively similar.
13. Ireland
Average Salary: $73,892
Ireland has a vibrant animation industry with top-notch educational institutions nurturing talent. Trinity College Dublin offers a Master’s in Animation, focusing on both traditional and digital techniques. University College Dublin’s MA in Animation pushes boundaries with its emphasis on experimental animation forms. Additionally, the National Film School at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire offers a renowned MA in Animation. Ireland is one of the most famous countries for animation.
12. United Arab Emirates
Average Salary: $73,098
In 2024, the UAE is witnessing a flourishing appetite for animation, driven by a blend of regional success stories like Freej and international collaborations. Spacetoon, Bidaya Media, and Majid TV are pivotal players in this narrative, spearheading the industry’s growth. With festivals, partnerships with global animation houses, and homegrown studios, animation is gaining traction.
11. Austria
Average Salary: $76,225
In Q2 2023, Austria displayed a notable demand for animation, constituting 14.4% of the market’s series demand, the second highest across all markets analyzed. This trend underscores the Austrian audience’s penchant for family-oriented programming. Moreover, the diversity within animation subgenres is evident, with both Japanese anime and animated sitcoms ranking among the top ten most demanded subgenres.
Austria is one of the highest paying countries for animators.
10. Norway
Average Salary: $77,461
Norway has a thriving animation industry, driven by studios like Qvisten Animation and Mikrofilm, which demands top talent. Additionally, Norway’s high living standards and strong social welfare system contribute to competitive compensation packages for animators.
9. Germany
Average Salary: $77,831
In 2020, German animation films seized the spotlight before Europe’s cinemas faced a second lockdown due to COVID-19. “Two by Two: Overboard” led the UK box office with $3 million, while home-grown hits “Dragon Rider” and “Yakari: A Spectacular Journey” thrived on the continent. “Dragon Rider” earned $2.5 million over three weeks, while “Yakari” raked in nearly $1 million in its opening week and an additional $2.8 million in France. German animation’s popularity primarily stems from its ability to produce quality mid-budget films, bridging the gap between big-budget blockbusters and lower-end productions.
It is worth noting that Hamburg, Germany is one of the the best cities for animation jobs.
8. Australia
Average Salary: $78,521
Animation demand in Australia is high owing to the thriving entertainment industry, bolstered by renowned studios like Animal Logic, Flying Bark Productions, and Pixar Animation Studios. The country pays high salaries to animators to attract and retain top talent with the ongoing global competition. With high salaries and standard of living, Australia is one of the best countries for animators to work.
7. Belgium
Average Salary: $81,376
Animation demand in Belgium is high due to a growing appreciation for animated content in the global market. The country boasts a rich artistic tradition and a flourishing animation industry, with notable studios like nWave Pictures and Walking The Dog gaining international recognition. It is one of the best countries for animation job.
6. United Kingdom
Average Salary: $85,860
The demand for UK animation is soaring, driven by acclaimed productions like Aardman’s “Chicken Run: The Dawn Of The Nugget” showcased at the BFI London Film Festival, highlighting the country’s creative prowess. With Aardman’s continued success and the rise of other UK studios capable of producing animated features, talent and facilities are increasingly sought after by Hollywood and streaming giants. The UK’s investment in local talent and infrastructure, such as Aardman’s animation academy and numerous degree courses, ensures a growing pool of skilled animators.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Paying Countries for Animators is originally published on Insider Monkey.
