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

Animation Careers in Florida

Overview - The state of Florida is home to Universal Studios Resort—one of the largest entertainment resorts in the U.S. This world famous resort is home to Universal Studios and the prestigious Dave School of Digital Animation & Visual Effects. Dave School is a 35,000 square foot facility located on the backlot of Universal Studios, with a staff that consists of former Disney animators and other renowned visual effects supervisors. Dave School alumni work (or have worked) in top studios around the country such as DreamWorks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Activision, Sony Imageworks, and Digital Domain. Their work can be seen in blockbusters such as Avatar, Beowulf, Battlestar Galactica, and The Expendables.

While the Dave School of Digital Animation & Visual Effects at Universal Studios is one of the reasons aspiring animators flock to Florida, it’s not the only reason. Universal studios and other notable Florida production studios offer internship opportunities, the chance to advance to a paid position at Universal or other studio, and the opportunity to work on large scale Hollywood productions.

The state of Florida also has:

• One of the nations largest animation and film communities
• An impressive number of animation studios, both large and small
• Competitive salaries for animators—even for entry-level positions

In Florida, animators are more likely to find work in the film industry, as well as the tech industry and in education. Animators interested in working in education can choose from a number of art schools and academic institutions throughout the state. Florida is home to 207 colleges and universities, which is more than double the national average of 88.

Many Florida colleges and universities offer art and animation programs that have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and others that have been accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Many Florida schools also offer animation certificates, enrichment courses, or other non-degree programs.

Employment and Salary Trends for Florida Animators

As of 2009, 670 animators worked in production studios, academic institutions, computer systems and design firms, and advertising and public relations firms throughout the state of Florida. Across the nation, 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. As of May 2009, animators in the state of Florida earned a mean salary of $54,820 per year. In comparison, New York, the fourth highest paying state for  animators, pays animators a mean annual wage of $62,150. And Maryland, the second highest paying state for animators, pays animators $66,850 per year.

The top five 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)
• Arkansas ($61,340 per year)

Animation Career Opportunities in Florida

In addition to Universal Studios, aspiring animators interested in working in the film, video, and advertising industries may find employment at the following top firms:

• MG Studios, Longwood
• EFX Creative Group, Orlando
• A Thomas Henry Production, Gotha
• True Light Media, Orlando
• Spectrum Post and Production, Tampa
• Illum Productions, Sarasota

There are more than 2,000 computer systems and design firms in the state of Florida. This means, opportunities for computer systems and design animators are plentiful in the state. Although these positions are available in all cities throughout the state of Florida, many technology firms are located in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Boca Raton.

Florida Animation Training Programs

Florida offers access to top animation programs offered at prominent institutions from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to Miami University. Other top rated academies and colleges with animation programs include:

• The Art Institute of Tampa, Tampa
• Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota
• Digital Media Arts College (DMAC), Boca Raton
• Miami International University of Art & Design, Miami
• Full Sail University, Winter Park
• University of Florida, Gainesville

More Florida Schools with Animation related programs:  

If you are interested in a career in animation, you can begin by enrolling in an animation degree program, a multi-media art program, a computer science program with a focus in animation or multi-media art, a fine art  program with a focus in animation, or an advertising program with a focus in animation. In addition to offering a degree in animation or multi-media art, most of the schools listed above offer degrees in the related fields.