Also called: Pixel Art Animator, 2D Game Artist
Creates characters, backgrounds, and animations one pixel at a time, mostly for indie and retro-style video games.
A pixel artist designs a 32-by-32 pixel hero, then animates eight frames of a running cycle so it feels smooth. They might build a whole tileset of forest blocks for a level designer to use.
Approximate; many are freelance for indie studios.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. Mostly self-taught with a strong portfolio; game art programs help.
Ways in: Self-taught, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Game Art, Animation.
Growing about average. Steady demand from indie games.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI struggles with clean, consistent pixel art today but is improving; indie studios still hire for distinctive retro style.
Age 14+. One way to start: Make a few sample sprites, then sell custom sprites or emotes to friends, streamers or indie devs (Fiverr needs 18)
Classes: Digital art, AP Computer Science Principles, Graphic design.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1014.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.