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

Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

Animation courses are a great choice for students who love to join the Arts field. Animators can bring characters to life in a changing setting. Animators work in a variety of fields like entertainment, education and even military flight or battle simulators. Nowadays, 3D animators are in great demand. They can add a magical or realistic edge to flat narrative stories by using specific technology.

At the entry-level, the graduates of the Animation course can earn around approx INR 4 to 5 lakh. But the professionals at the mid-senior level can earn around approx INR 6 to 8 lakh.  At the senior level professionals can earn around approx INR 10 to 15 lakh.

Average Salary Based on Job Position

Candidates can check the jobs with their average salary 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

Candidates can check the top job profiles long 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

Candidates 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

Candidates can see the list of top recruiters below:

Top Employment Areas for Animation Graduates

Entertainment

Media Houses

News Channels

Films

Schools

Colleges

Candidates 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

Candidates can see the list of colleges with high placements below:

Institute

Average Annual Salary in 2023

Bangalore University

INR 6.87 LPA

Gujarat University

INR 5.4 LPA

National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

INR 6.3 LPA

National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

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

Candidates 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

Candidates can see the salary of Animation professionals abroad below:

Country

Salary Offered

USA

  • Entry-Level: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
  • Mid-Level: $60,000 to $90,000 per year
  • Senior-Level: $90,000 to $150,000+ per year

United Kingdom

  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £20,000 to £30,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £30,000 to £50,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £50,000 to £1,00,000 or more per year.

Canada

  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 60,000 to CAD 90,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 90,000 to CAD 1,50,000 or more per year.

Germany

  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €30,000 to €45,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €45,000 to €70,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €70,000 to €1,50,000 or more per year.

Australia

  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 40,000 to AUD 60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 60,000 to AUD 90,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD 90,000 to AUD 1,50,000 or more per year.

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:

2D/3D Animation Course

Q. Is Animation a lucarative career?

A. The earning potential in the animation industry can vary significantly based on a number of variables, such as the animator's experience, degree of skill, location, the particular area of animation in which they work, and the scope and cost of the projects they are involved in. While some animators can earn a nice livelihood, others might need to get by on a smaller income.  At first, the average income for animators can range between INR 3 and 5 lakh, however as they gain expertise and time, their salaries can rise.

Q. What are the areas of employment for Animators?

A. After completing Animation courses, students can find employment in various industries, including movies, gaming, advertisement, marketing, and retail. The uses of Animation have witnessed an increase in the past few years with expansion in the Media and Entertainment industry. Its usage is, however, not restricted to the entertainment industry, and is widely used in advertisements, architecture, and educational purposes.   

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

Toonz Animation India

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. Candidates joining the animation industry can work in various job positions depending on their academic qualifications, skill set, and experience. Here are some of the popular job roles, along with the average annual salary. 

Job Profiles

Average Annual Salary (in INR)

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?

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. 

Table of content
  • Popular Animation Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Animation Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Animation Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Animation UG Courses
  • Popular Animation PG Courses
View More

Popular Animation Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Animation Colleges in India. Learn more about these Animation colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
14.4 L
4.0
1.23 L - 3.82 L
4.4 - 4.6 LPA
3 L - 4.5 L
4.6 LPA

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

83 K - 9.2 L
3.4
89.1 K - 5 L
3.7
2.88 L - 6.36 L
4.0

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Private Animation Colleges in India

1.37 L - 6.1 L
3.7
Only college in India with Animation, VFX & Game production studio
23.2 L
3 Courses
96 K - 1.7 L
3 Courses
7.5 K - 17.5 K
4.3
5.0
93.46 K - 9.1 L
5.0

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Animation. Students interested in pursuing a career on Animation, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

14 Jul ' 25 - 31 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

1 Jul ' 25 - 15 Oct ' 25

CUCET 2025 Phase 2 Application Form

1 Jul ' 25 - 16 Oct ' 25

CUCET 2025 Phase 2 Exam Date

4 Aug ' 25

SHIATS 2025 Commencement of classes

22 Jul ' 25

SHIATS Entrance Exam 2025 Merit- I Offline Counse...

Popular Animation Specializations

Following are the most popular Animation Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Animation UG Courses

Following are the most popular Animation UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Animation PG Courses

Following are the most popular Animation PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Amita singh

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Rekha Devi

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Vijay Thakur

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Sakshi Sharma

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 weeks ago

Students at Chandigarh University work on creative projects that mirror real industry work. They design 3D characters, animated short films, and virtual game environments, bringing stories to life using software like Maya, 3ds Max, and ZBrush. Some projects focus on visual effect, like creating rea

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Advik

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks ago

At Chandigarh University, the Animation and Multimedia courses are designed to give students hands-on experience from day one. The programs teach how to bring stories and ideas to life using digital tools and creative techniques. Students explore areas like performance animation, lighting and render

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Navpreet Bagh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Advik

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Garima Chandel

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Animation, VFX, and Gaming programme at Chandigarh University is designed to give students complete exposure to the creative industry. The university provides access to high-end labs and the latest software used globally in animation and game design. The programme blends creativity with technolo

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Santosh Raut

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Shrey

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, Chandigarh University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Animation and Multimedia. The undergraduate programme is designed for students who want to enter the animation industry with a strong technical foundation. It covers areas like 2D and 3D animation, modeling, VFX, game d

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Banisha

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Richa Sharma

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Absolutely! Chandigarh University's Animation programme actively integrates 3D gaming design into its learning modules. We can explore the entire pipeline of game development, including modeling characters, designing environments, and animating movements in 3D spaces. Tools like Maya, 3ds Max, and

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Kumud Joshi

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks 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,

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Ritesh Kumar

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Absolutely! Students from Chandigarh University's Animation and VFX programme have secured international placements in recent years. For instance, some graduates have landed roles in global organizations, including Spring News Corporation in Bangkok. The university's partnerships with international

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pankaj

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Top recruiters for Chandigarh University's Animation, VFX & Gaming graduates come from diverse industries, ranging from gaming studios to production houses and digital marketing firms. Some notable names include Bonker's Art (Mohali), Speed Records, Virasat Films, Amber Websoft, and Spring News Corp

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pankaj

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, you don't need to clear any mandatory entrance test to pursue Animation at Chandigarh University. Admissions are direct, provided you have 10+2 with 50% marks in any stream or a 3-year Diploma in engineering/technology/architecture with at least 50% marks. The university also offers the CUCET sc

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Priya Dagar

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Tanya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Diksha S

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Aryan Chauhan

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Vanya Shastri

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks ago

Chandigarh University provides strong placement support for Animation and Multimedia students by connecting them with top recruiters. Students have secured jobs in companies like Bonker's Art, Creo Media, JS Nexus & Co, Master Creationz, Amber Websoft, and App Mec, apart from major studios like Prim

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anushka gupta

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 weeks ago

Animation students at Chandigarh University can benefit from international collaborations. The department has partnerships with universities and companies in other countries to give students global exposure. For instance, Vancouver Film School in Canada works with CU for events like CUIFF, and stude

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Preeti

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Absolutely! Students in the Animation department at Chandigarh University get international exposure through collaborations, online projects, and exchange programs. The university encourages students to work on projects linked to international studios, where they can experience how animation and VFX

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GAURAV JOSHI

Guide-Level 13

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Nishant Goutam

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks 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

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sameer

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks 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

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Dashanpreet Singh

Beginner-Level 3

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