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Artist, Graphic Artist, Motion Graphics Artist, Rigger, Storyboard Artist, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Animators work on visual productions such as short and feature-length films, television series, educational films, commercials, presentations and computer games. They may work independently or as part of a small team of animators on projects of their own creation, or they may work in the feature film, computer game or television departments of large animation studios.
Animators working on their own films:
Animators in large studios follow a director's guidelines and work only on specified parts of a production. In general:
Animators may specialize in one or more of the following types of animation:
They also may specialize in techniques such as:
Animators usually specialize in 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) animation. 2D animation is an evolution of traditional cell or character animation, and may employ a wide variety of art materials and styles. 3D animation often is created with computer programs that add gravity, texture and other realistic effects.
Animators often sit for long periods of time, but to understand the movement they are creating, may regularly get up to act out their characters in front of colleagues, a mirror or a video recorder. They work under the pressure of constant deadlines, production delays and other challenges; 60-hour workweeks are not uncommon.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software; and in determining the medium best suited to produce desired visual effects and most appropriate vehicle for communication
Interest in precision working to co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual and electronic materials such as Web sites, CD-ROMs and interactive terminals; and in estimating costs of materials and time to complete designs
Interest in consulting with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communication materials in order to meet their needs; in supervising other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians, in co-ordinating the work of sub-contractors, and in working in a multidisciplinary environment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Animators need:
Many animators work on a freelance or contract basis and therefore must be able to:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 295 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 11, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements | 245 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives | 214 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs of materials and time to complete graphic designs and illustrations | 204 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials | 200 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials | 197 |
| Tasks: Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication | 194 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs | 180 |
| Tasks: Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides | 178 |
| Attention to detail | 172 |
| Tasks: Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers | 155 |
Animators are hired on the basis of:
Animators, including computer animators, need fine art or graphic design training at the post-secondary level.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
In Calgary, the Quickdraw Animation Society (QAS) offers regular courses on various media and occasional workshops on special topics.
Before enrolling in a program, aspiring animators should discuss their training options with potential employers. Some major animation studios offer their own in-house training programs.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Many animators start by taking a course from their local university or college. Some are then able to go on to apprentice at local production studios. Others seek out workshops and projects at film and video co-operatives.
Almost all animation work is freelance, paid on a contract basis. Most opportunities for animation work are found in larger cities where there is a lot of film, television and video game production, such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Many professional animators travel from city to city, working on short-term contracts. Remote work-from-home options may become more common in future for this occupation.
Animators may work for:
A growing number of animators work with teams involved in designing video games and learning media.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Graphic designers and illustrators
2016 NOC: 5241
79.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
In Canada, animators negotiate each contract separately. Incomes can vary greatly from one animator to another, and from one year to another. Many animators must supplement their income with other work, such as teaching, illustration or camera work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $50.00 | $25.08 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $53.48 | $29.09 | $25.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $56.01 | $33.13 | $29.40 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,832 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $43,638 |
| Wholesale Trade | $50,830 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $42,636 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $53,805 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $57,218 |
| Educational Services | $62,902 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $65,375 |
| Public Administration | $75,372 |
Digital Alberta website: digitalalberta.com
Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) website: www.digra.org
Quickdraw Animation Society (QAS) website: quickdrawanimation.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 01, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
