Animators are like magicians who give lifeless objects the ability to walk, talk, breathe, and act through their creativity and application of the right techniques and concepts. To become an animator, a person should be creatively equipped to draw from their imagination and put it out there for the world. Here, we’ll know about Pixar Animators Salary.
In this article, we will discuss more in-depth the job description, qualifications, and salary of an animator, specifically someone who wants to work with the Pixar organization, the largest and greatest media firm that deals with animation.
Who is an Animator?
An animator is a person who plans and designs several connecting images for any form of entertainment communication. That is for movies, video games, music videos, and so on. These people work with other people of a similar profession on projects wherein they either hand draw or use specialized software to draw these characters or background scenes, which are further converted into moving and real-looking beings. Animators also have the responsibility of transforming the ideas of their clients into real action by understanding their needs and coming up with creative pieces.
Responsibilities of an Animator
An animator has several duties and guidance they must follow to get a successful career path. These include:
- Design a series of drawing pieces that express a variety of emotions for the project given.
- Use the right software to create 3D models of the creative images created to present a realistic view of the final assignment.
- Form prototypes and models to present by-products.
- Communicate with the other team members and give insightful advice to each other on how to improve their product.
- Ideate with others to come up with new concepts for the clients that they may use for their outline.
These are a few of the jobs an animator is supposed to do. However, they may be required to perform several other tasks.
Qualifications needed
To become an established animator, aspirants are required to fulfill the following conditions:
- Obtain a degree: Though not necessary, employers prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in design or any other related field, along with some additional coursework in drawing, sketching, etc. subjects.
- Build a portfolio: Employers look for a well-maintained portfolio of your work. This means that you are required to present a sample of your art pieces that have your ideas and concepts.
- Get an internship: Job providers always look for aspirants who have plenty of work experience through voluntary participation in internships or any other related work to increase their knowledge and understanding level.
How can one apply to Pixar for the position of animator?
To secure a position at a prestigious firm like Pixar, you are required to fulfill all the necessities of becoming an animator. But huge firms like Pixar look for aspirants who have good experience at hand through internships and can ideate good ideas quickly, as an organization like this does not take your credentials into much consideration as long as you can provide a good portfolio of your work and experience.
Salary
According to comparably.com, the average base salary of a Pixar animator is roughly around 131,803 American dollars annually. The estimated salary range for the position of Pixar animator lies in the range of 25,486 dollars to 679,997 dollars annually, but this depends on the skill, expertise, and experience level of the individual, as the earning level of a fresher may greatly differ from the earning level of a senior animator. According to data, 57% of Pixar animators at the middle level earn between the range of 122,191 dollars to 307,953 dollars. Along with monetary perks, Pixar also provides additional compensation like life insurance, health insurance, employee discounts, etc. to their employees, adding more value to the position. Presently, the San Francisco Pixar branch pays the highest average income to their animators, giving roughly around 198,864 dollars annually.
Regarding the tax brackets, Pixar animators are required to pay a tax of 24% on their earnings. This means that, on average, after paying the tax, these individuals have around 105,881dollars left for personal use. Upon survey, it was found that the majority of Pixar animators, that is around 78% of them, are satisfied with the stipend they have received, including the benefits and bonuses.
Few Cities and Their Paying Capacity
| City/ State | Average Income per annum |
| Washington, DC | $175,265 |
| Dallas, TX | $148,437 |
| Atlanta, GA | $137,411 |
| Los Angeles, Ca | $135,690 |
| Houston, TX | $ 134,690 |
| Portland, OR | $127,832 |
| Seattle, WA | $141,662 |
| Oklahoma, city, OK | $137,151 |
| Boston, MA | $148,232 |
| New York, NY | $138,119 |
| Lexington, KY | $109,779 |
| Miami, FL | $ 137,797 |
| Saint Petersburg, FL | $125,706 |
| Detroit, MI | $139,745 |
| Austin, TX | $124, 271 |
| San Jose, CA | $198,864 |
| 17)Stockton, CA | $ 196,976 |
| 18) Chicago, IL | $146,950 |
| 19) Seattle, WA | $141,662 |
| 20) Jersey City | $138,119 |
To work for big firms like Pixar, you are supposed to work with hard work and dedication and build a reputed image of your work so that you can easily get hired at these big organizations.
