Animation Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Animation courses are a great choice for you if you want to join the Arts field. Animators can bring characters to life in a changing setting. Animators work in so many fields like entertainment, education and even military flight or battle simulators. Nowadays, 3D animators are in great demand.
As a fresher who has just completed an Animation course, you can earn around Rs. 4 to 5 lakh. But the professionals at the mid-senior level can get approx Rs.6 to 8 lakh. At the senior level professionals can earn Rs. 10 to 15 lakh.
Average Salary Based on Job Position
You can check the jobs with their average salary in the table below -
|
Job Profiles |
Average CTC (INR) |
|---|---|
|
2D Animator |
INR 2 lakh to INR 6 lakh |
|
3D Animator |
INR 3 lakh to INR 8 lakh |
|
Character Designer |
INR 3 lakh to INR 7 lakh |
|
Storyboard Artist |
INR 3 lakh to INR 7lakh |
|
VFX Artist |
INR 4 lakh to INR 9 lakh |
|
Technical Animator |
INR 4 lakh to INR 9 lakh |
|
Art Director |
INR 6 lakh to INR 12 lakh |
|
Animation Director |
INR 7 lakh to INR 15 lakh |
Note - The salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Top Careers in Animation
You can take a look at the top job options along with their desciption below:
|
Job Profile |
Description |
Average CTC (INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
2D Animator |
Creates 2D animations for various media projects. |
INR 2 lakh to INR 6 lakh |
|
3D Animator |
They are involved in developing 3D animations for films, games, etc. |
INR 3 lakh to INR 8 lakh |
|
Character Designer |
Responsible for the appearance and personality of characters. |
INR 3 lakh to INR 7 lakh |
|
Storyboard Artist |
Sketches visual narratives for animations and films. |
INR 3 lakh to INR 7 lakh |
|
VFX Artist |
Creates digital effects and enhancements for media. |
INR 4 lakh to INR 9 lakh |
|
Rigging Artist |
Builds the skeletons and controls for 3D characters. |
INR 4 lakh to INR 8 lakh |
|
Technical Animator |
Focuses on the technical aspects of animation. |
INR 4 lakh to INR 9 lakh |
|
Art Director |
Oversees the visual style and direction of projects. |
INR 6 lakh to INR 12 lakh |
|
Animation Director |
Leads animation teams and manages projects. |
INR 7 lakh to INR 15 lakh |
Specialisation Wise Salary for Animation Graduates in India
You can see the salary for each specialisation in Animation field:
|
Specialization |
Entry-Level (INR) |
Mid-Level (INR) |
Senior-Level (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2D Animation |
INR 2 lakh-4 lakh |
INR 3 lakh-5.5 lakh |
INR 4.5 lakh-9 lakh |
|
3D Animation |
INR 2.5 lakh-5 lakh |
INR 3 lakh-6 lakh |
INR 6 lakh-12 lakh |
|
Character Design |
INR 2.5 lakh-4 lakh |
INR 3 lakh-7 lakh |
INR 4.5 lakh-10 lakh |
|
Storyboard Artist |
INR 2.5 lakh-4.5 lakh |
INR 3.6 lakh-6.5 lakh |
INR 5 lakh-9 lakh |
|
VFX Artist |
INR 3 lakh-5.5 lakh |
INR 4.5 lakh-8.5 lakh |
INR 6.5 lakh-12 lakh |
|
Rigging Artist |
INR 3 lakh-5.5 lakh |
INR 4.5 lakh-8 lakh |
INR 6.5 lakh-11 lakh |
|
Technical Animator |
INR 3 lakh-5.5 lakh |
INR 4.5 lakh-8 lakh |
INR 6.5 lakh-11 lakh |
|
Art Director |
INR 4 lakh-7 lakh |
INR 6 lakh-8 lakh |
INR 8 lakh-15 lakh |
|
Animation Director |
INR 5 lakh-8 lakh |
INR 7 lakh-12 lakh |
INR 9 lakh-18 lakh |
Note: The salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Top Recruiters for Animation Students
You can see the list of top recruiters below:
|
Top Employment Areas for Animation Graduates |
|
|---|---|
|
Entertainment |
Media Houses |
|
News Channels |
Films |
|
Schools |
Colleges |
You can see the top recruiters for each specialisations below:
|
Entertainment Recruiters |
||
|---|---|---|
| Circle Creation Entertainment | Rockstar Games | Viga Entertainment |
| Walt Disney | Crazy Animation | Game Berry Labs |
|
Academics Recruiters |
||
|
Chandigarh University |
Lucknow University |
Parul University |
|
XLRI |
Amity University |
Indian Institute of Management |
|
Media Houses Recruiters |
||
| NDTV | Aaj Tak | BBC |
| India Tv | Times Internet | News Nation |
|
Private Organisations |
||
|
Accenture |
Cognizant |
Infosys |
|
IBM India |
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
Wipro |
Top Animation College for Placements
You can check the list of colleges with high placements below:
|
Institute |
Average Annual Salary in 2023 |
|---|---|
|
INR 6.87 LPA |
|
| Gujarat University |
INR 5.4 LPA |
|
INR 6.3 LPA |
|
|
INR 6.6 LPA |
|
| Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi |
INR 3.6 LPA |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar |
INR 4.7 LPA |
| Parul University, Vadodara |
INR 5.7 LPA |
| Amity University, Noida |
INR 8.7 LPA |
| Loyola College, Chennai |
INR 9.4 LPA |
| Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik |
INR 5 LPA |
Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Animation
You can see the list of top cities for Animation jobs below:
|
City |
Job Opportunities |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Delhi |
Animation Studios, VFX Companies, Schools, etc. |
INR 3 lakh- INR 6 lakh |
|
Mumbai |
Colleges, Schools, Production Houses, etc. |
INR 3 lakh - INR 6 lakh |
|
Pune |
VFX Industry, Schools, Colleges, etc. |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh |
|
Hyderabad |
Colleges, Media Houses, etc. |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh |
|
Bangalore |
VFX Industry, Schools, Animation Studios, Colleges, etc. |
INR 3 lakh- INR 5.5 lakh |
|
Chennai |
Photo Studios, VFX Industry, Colleges, etc. |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 6 lakh |
|
Chandigarh |
VFX Industry, Schools, Colleges, etc. |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh |
|
Kolkata |
Animation Studios, Colleges, Hospitals, etc |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 5 lakh |
|
Ahmedabad |
Private Organisations, Hospitals, VFX Industry, etc. |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh |
|
Jaipur |
Colleges, Media Houses, Private Organisations, etc |
INR 2.5 lakh- INR 4.5 lakh |
Animation Salary Abroad
You can see the salary of Animation professionals abroad below:
|
Country |
Salary Offered |
|---|---|
|
USA |
|
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
Canada |
|
|
Germany |
|
|
Australia |
|
Note - The salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Animation FAQs
Q. Is Animation a good career?
A. Yes, Animation is a promising career. Students, who engage in animation programmes, can go on to work in animation, film, television, advertising, virtual reality, and other industries. Job prospects for animators are growing quickly as a result of the expansion of the entertainment and gaming industries.
Due to the extensive usage of special effects, animation has over time gained a strong foothold in the film, television, and advertising sectors. Full-length animated films are highly sought-after. There are many career opportunities since up to 500 animators may be needed for one animated movie. Both the entertainment and education (e-learning) industries gain from the real-world, financially rewarding, and demanding professional path of animation.
Also Read:
Q. Is Animation a lucrative career?
A. Yes. It isn't a traditional corporate job. You can earn high income here. Different job roles have different paths. Each of them will help you learn. Upgrade your skills to stay relevant.
Q. What are the areas of employment for Animators?
Q. Which are the top recruiters for Animation?
A. Animation industry is a flourishing industry in India. However, candidates need to be highly skilled in the animation field. Given below are the names of a few popular animation companies that hire freshers.
|
Top Recruiters for Animation |
|
|---|---|
|
Maya Entertainment Ltd, Mumbai |
|
|
UTV Toonz |
Pentamedia Graphics, Chennai |
|
Heart Entertainment Limited, Hyderabad |
Crest Animation Studios Ltd, Mumbai |
|
Padmalaya Telefilms |
Silvertoon Studio, Mumbai |
|
Jadooworks Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru |
Nipuna Services, Chennai |
Q. What are the job profiles studying Animation?
A. Students have many options to choose from. Each and every job roles is high paying. You will learn many new things in this field. Once you start, everything becomes possible. See the table below:
|
Job Profiles |
Average Annual Salary in Rs. |
|---|---|
|
3D Modeller |
3 Lakh |
|
Animator |
3.5 lakh |
|
Flash Animator |
3.8 lakh |
|
Stop Motion Animator |
3.3 lakh |
|
Video Game Designer |
3.9 lakh |
Q. Which are the popular Animation colleges in India?
A. Some of the top colleges offering Animation courses in India are listed below:
Q: What is 3D Animation?
A: It is currently one of the professions with the quickest growth rates. In India and overseas, there are many wonderful employment chances for animators. Students can work as pre-production visualizers and storyboard artists for hire, or they can become art directors and members of creative teams for networks like Channel [V], MTV, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, as well as for multimedia companies like Tata Interactive and Infosys and production studios like Famous House of Animation, Vaibhav Studio, and Miditech.
Q. How to start a career in Animation?
A. In order to enter into a profession in the field of Animation, the candidates must master various applications such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Premiere, and Autodesk Maya. Candidates with BSc Animation degrees frequently find employment in the animation and multimedia fields all around the nation as game designers and 3D animators for web design, movies, television, and other kinds of interactive media. They can earn an average salary ranging from INR 4 lakh to 6 lakh.
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Some of the career options you can choose after completing VFX course from AMR Wings Academy are as follows:
- Composting Artist
- Match Moving Artist
- Pre Visualisation Artist
- Roto Artist
- Clean Plate Artist
- BG Preparation Artist
- Pain Artist
- Matte Painting Artist
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A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
A Fine Arts degree from Chandigarh University opens pathways into animation and graphic design because the programme includes applied art, digital illustration, and visual communication. Many graduates pursue graphic design roles in branding firms, digital agencies, and publishing houses. Others joi
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 months ago
As far as I know, Chandigarh University gives a golden chance to students to study and work in different countries and learn new things, and the university makes possible different programs every year in January and September. I would like to tell you that there are two ways to study abroad from the
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Faculty members in Chandigarh University's Animation and Multimedia Department are highly professional and very supportive of student's growth. They emphesize learning by doing, so students get guided through practical projects, live simulations, and industry-relevant assignments. The teachers also
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Honestly, I would say Chandigarh University's Animation and Multimedia department is good, especially for someone serious about building a career in animation. The courses cover all major areaslike modeling, visual effects, performance animation, and ending, so you learn everything step by step. Wha
G
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Switching to Animation at Chandigarh University is very much possible, even if you're not from a Science or technical stream. The eligibility is open: 10+2 in any stream with 55% marks, so whether you studied commerce, arts, or science, you can apply without issues. The programme is designed in a wa
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Students are engaged in live projects at Chandigarh University. These initiatives serve as practice in the real world. There are projects that students can work on, which are sourced either by the companies or the university. They provide students with the understanding of how this work is carried o
Answered 2 months ago
Many people think that Animation is just about making designs and drawing but it's not this. Many colleges just teaches the basics of Animation but at Chandigarh University, Animation department tries to mix both theory and practical in its teaching. The course is not only focused on using software,
Answered 2 months ago
There is 2D and 3D labs in Animation department at Chandigarh University and the environment is really great. The 2D Animation Lab is where students learn to represent stories through sketching and in-betweens. The lab is filled with computers, tablets, and software like Adobe Animate. Storyboarding
T
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Chandigarh University gives many chances for animation students to meet and learn from experts. The department keeps inviting people from the industry to share real knowledge. Recently, students had a session with Mr. BN Vichar, a 3D professional with many years of experience in production and
D
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 months ago
If Visual Effects excites you, Chandigarh University is one of the best options. The Department of Animation and Multimedia is the largest in the region, with specialised facilities for visual effects training. You'll get hands-on experience in lighting, rendering, motion graphics, roto, compositing
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
At Chandigarh University, the average package for Animation graduates depends a lot on the recruiters, and luckily, the department has tie-ups with some big creative studios. Students often get placed at Creo Media, Master Creationz, JS Nexus & Co, Amber Websoft, and App Mec, besides well-known ones
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Chandigarh University offers a wide range of specialised electives in Animation to help students focus on their areas of interest. In the 2nd and 3rd semesters, students can choose from baskets like Game Design & CG Asset Development, VFX, and Graphic Art & 2D Production. These electives include cou
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Even if you don't have an art background, you can still join Chandigarh University for Animation. The course usually asks for 10+2 with at least 50% marks or a Diploma in Engineering, Technology, or Architecture with 50% marks. What matters is your interest to learn and practice. Animation involves
s
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
If you want to study 3D animation, Chandigarh University provides a good setup. The 3D Animation Lab is made for hands-on learning. It has high-performance computers and industry software for complete 3D work. Students learn to design models, do rigging, add textures, and finally animate them. Rende
D
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 months ago
Many national and multinational companies recruit students for animation artist, 3D designer, editor positions, etc. Students from Chandigarh University have been placed in companies like Prime Focus World, Wiggle Media, Digitoonz, Speed Records, and Bonker's Art. Some have even gained exposure in
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Students at Chandigarh University's Animation department are introduced to a wide variety of creative and technical software. They learn Corel Draw for graphic designing, Adobe Premiere and After Effects for video editing and motion graphics, and Maya and 3ds Max for 3D animation and modeling. For s
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Chandigarh University gives a lot of practical exposure in Animation and Multimedia. Students don't just learn theory; they work on live projects like Creating 3D game characters, animated videos, or VFX scenes. The labs have all the latest software like Maya, 3ds Max, Photoshop, and ZBrush, so stu
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, students do get such chances. University has tie-ups with many industry partners, so learners can explore real work while still studying. Some examples are Technicolor, Zee News, Airai Technologies, SmokeTech, Wipro, Publicis Groupe, DSV Global Transport and Logistics, Celoxis, Department of En
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Every academic in the creative stream looks for a good university where they can learn and hone their talent. Chandigarh University is one big name in Punjab for Animation studies. The institute has a separate department for film and visual arts. It is a course that has software but also design, sto
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Chandigarh University combines imagination with technical depth. Imagine sitting in a design studio, sketching your own character on paper, and then a week later, watching it move in a 3D space using Maya or Blender. That's how CU balances creativity and technology. We are encouraged to paint,
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Well, this question is tough to answer, because no Animation specialization that is the best. Every Animation field serves different purposes. Be it VFX, Motion Graphics, Graphic Design, 3D Modeling, or CGI, every field caters to the digital world with a variety of visually appealing content.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Well, most Diploma and certification courses in Animation are offered based on the merit system. But some degree-level programs in some sub-fields of Animation require entrance exam scores, offered by some top Design colleges, like NIFTS and NIDS. Some top Animation entrance exams are NIFT Entrance,
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
It depends on the type of course and course level you choose. Animation is a vast field under which you'll get countless types of subfields. And all these subfields offer a variety of courses, according to which the syllabus is designed by each college. So, it's impossible to provide a fixed curricu
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Of course, there are so many after 10th Diploma and certification Animation course options available both online and offline. On top of that, most online learning platforms don't even ask for certain qualifications. Some top institute options for you are:
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
The eligibility criteria for Animation courses can be different based on the course type and college. Here are the eligibility criteria for different Animation courses:
- UG/Diploma/Certification - Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board in any stream.
- PG/PG Diploma/Advanced Certification - A bac
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
The entrance exam difficulty level for BDes Graphic Design admissions differs based on the particular exam that you're preparing to appear for. For admission you have exams like UCEED, NIFT Entrance, NID DAT and CUET for admission to top Graphic Design colleges in India offering the BDes course. If
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
IIT Bombay is the most preferred option for pursuing the animation course. However, there are many other institutes that provide the animation courses:
- National Institute of Design (NID)
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- MAAC Institute
- ARENA Animation
- Amity University
Students can expect the best infrastruct
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
IIT Bombay has a well established Industial Design Centre providing various UG, PG and Doctoral courses such as BDes, MDes, PhD and other short term courses in design and animation. Candidates interested in pursuing the courses at IIT Bombay must appear for the UCEED or CEED entrance exams to be eli
D
Contributor-Level 10
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What are the career options after completing Visual Effects course from AMR Wings Academy?