Also called: 3D Modeler, Environment Artist, Character Artist
Creates the 3D characters, creatures, buildings, and props in games.
You sculpt a dragon in ZBrush, paint its scales, and get it ready for the animators. Every model has to look amazing but also run fast.
BLS special effects artists and animators median about $99,800; game artists often earn less.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in game art or animation; portfolio matters most.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Game Art, Animation, Fine Arts.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS projects slow growth for animators and effects artists.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI now generates 3D models and textures from text and images, cutting asset-making jobs; art direction stays human.
Classes: Art, Digital media or 3D design, Photography.
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.