Alaska Animation Careers: Employment & Salary Trends, Job Opportunities, & Colleges Offering Animation Programs in Alaska

Animation Careers in Alaska

Overview - There are nearly 2,500 artists living in Alaska. Some work in the graphic design industry, while others work in the multi-media, advertising, and film and video industries. To date, the U.S. Bureau of Labor has not determined the exact number of animators working in Alaska. However, there are quite a few animation and production studios located in main cities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.  

Alaska also has an active film office. The office attracts Hollywood film productions such as Into the Wild, 30 Days of Night, Insomnia, and many others, through:

• Special incentives (around $100 million total)
• Easy access to pristine landscapes and scenery
• Tax breaks for hiring local talent

Alaska Film Office programs help keep local production and animation studios productive, which leads to job opportunities for Alaska animators and filmmakers.

Employment and Salary Trends for Alaska Animators

Overall employment in the animation (and multi-media) industry is expected to grow by 14 percent for the 2008-2018 decade. This is higher than all occupations in the “artists and related workers” industry. At 12 percent, art directors are second in employment growth, followed by fine artists at 9 percent.

As of May 2009, the mean annual wage for animators overall was $62,810 per year. The lowest paid animators earned $32,360 per year and the highest paid animators earned $99,130 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor, as of May 2009, Alaska artists overall earned a mean salary of $43,740 per year.

The highest paying states for animators are:

• California ($76,010 per year)
• Maryland ($66,850 per year)
• Washington  ($64,840 per year)
• New York ($62,150 per year)

Animation Career Opportunities in Alaska

Although positions for animators may be available in many areas of Alaska, most openings may be found in cities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and College. Animators may find employment at:

• Brinster & Company, Homer
• Grayling Media, Grayling
• Evergreen Films, Anchorage
• Blueberry Productions, Anchorage
• Snowflake Multimedia, Nome

Alaska is home to more than 300 technology firms, which offer many opportunities for animators with a computer science background. While job opportunities can be found in many cities and towns in Alaska, most are located in principle cities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and College.

Alaska Animation Training Programs

Animation courses and degree programs are available at:

• University of Alaska, Anchorage
• University of Alaska, Fairbanks
• Prince William Sound Community College, Valdez

More Animation related programs to consider:  

In addition to exploring the art department at any given college, when searching for animation courses, check with the multi-media, computer science, engineering, and digital studies departments as well.

SOURCE: May 2009 BLS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates,

2008-18. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm