Render Wrangler - Career Profile

What Does a Render Wrangler Do? 

Render wranglers, also called “technical resource administrators” or “TRAs” are accustomed to high-pressure environments. This highly detailed job might require the wrangler to monitor and control the rendering process for a few computers or an entire render farm consisting of hundreds of machines. Render wranglers monitor the computers to ensure (input/output) of data across various file systems and initiate data moves to allocate disk space. Render wranglers communicate with animators, producers, supervisors, resource managers, coordinators, and other artists across various departments.

When artists submit completed data for rendering, the render wrangler prioritizes work and allocates machines. They monitor the computers around the clock to make sure there are no technical or computer problems that could hinder successful output. According to Skillset Animation, rendering can be required in the planning stages and throughout production, including development and tests for models, animation, effects, lighting, etc.

Although animators usually check their own work in progress, animation may need to be rendered to view subtle movements such as facial expressions. Render wranglers work with compositors about the delivery of the final rendered CG (computer graphic) elements.

Where Do Render Wranglers Work?

Render wranglers work for animation studios, motion picture and video production studios, and gaming companies.

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What is the Job Outlook for Render Wranglers?

Although render wranglers supervise the rendering process, it is an entry-level position that’s often a starting point for artists interested in a career in computer animation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report employment and salary information for render wranglers. However, as computer and information systems (CIS) managers and animators-in-training, employment information for these groups should give you a good an idea of what to expect.

Employment for multimedia artists and animators is expected to grow 8% for the 2016-2026 decade. This is as fast as average for all occupations. The projected employment growth for animators and multimedia artists will be the result of increased demand for animation and more realistic visual effects in video games, movies, and television. However, job growth may be slowed by companies hiring artists and animators who work overseas for lower wages. The increasing demand for computer graphics for mobile devices may counter slow growth by creating more job opportunities in the massive mobile industry.

Despite average job growth, competition for job opportunities in animation will remain strong. The BLS says, “opportunities should be best for those who have a wide range of skills or who specialize in a highly specific type of animation or effect.” Additionally, the U.S. is home to an impressive 73,700 multimedia artists and animators, making it one of the largest career fields in art and design, as well as entertainment.  

While job opportunities for animators can be found all over the U.S., five states and five industries have the highest employment levels.

States with the Highest Employment Levels for Animators

1. California
2. Texas
3. New York
4. Georgia
5. Florida

Industries with the Highest Employment Levels for Animators

1. Motion Picture and Video Industries
2. Computer Systems Design and Related Services
3. Software Publishers
4. Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
5. Other Information Services

Within the top five states with the highest employment levels for animators, along with several others such as Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts, are the top 10 metropolitan areas with the highest levels of employment. They include:

1. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
2. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
3. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY
4. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
5. Austin-Round Rock, TX
6. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
7. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX     
8. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
9. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA      
10. Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Employment for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 12% for the 2016-2026 decade. This is faster than average for all occupations. Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their operations to digital platforms. Computer and information systems managers will be responsible for implementing these goals.

While job opportunities for CIS managers can be found all over the U.S., five states and industries have the highest employment levels.

States with the Highest Employment Levels for Computer and Information Systems Managers

1. California
2. New York
3. Texas
4. Massachusetts
5. Illinois

Industries with the Highest Employment Levels for Computer and Information Systems Managers

1. Computer Systems Design and Related Services
2. Management of Companies and Enterprises
3. Software Publishers
4. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
5. Insurance Carriers

Other Schools to Consider:

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Academy of Art University

Selected Campus Locations:

• San Francisco & Online

Selected Programs: 

• Animation
• Game Development
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interaction & UI/UX Design
• Visual Effects

Animation Career Review Rankings: 

• Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#15) - 2023
• Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#36) - 2023
• Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#40) - 2023
• Top 50 Nationally for Illustration (#20) - 2023
• Top 25 Nationally for Visual Effects (#5) - 2023

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Full Sail University

Selected Campus Locations:

• Winter Park, FL & Online

Selected Programs: 

• Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
• Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
• Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
• Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
• Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
• Game Business & Esports Bachelor’s of Science - Online & Campus
• User Experience Bachelor's Degree – Online

Animation Career Review Rankings: 

• Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#14) - 2023
• Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#8) - 2023
• Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#28) - 2023

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Southern New Hampshire University

Selected Campus Locations:

• Online

Selected Programs: 

• BA in Game Art & Development
• BS in Game Programming & Development
• BA in Graphic Design
• BA in Graphic Design & Web Design

Animation Career Review Rankings: 

• Top 50 Private Graphic Design Schools in the US (#36) - 2023

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CG Spectrum College of Digital Art & Animation

Selected Campus Locations:

• Online

Selected Programs: 

• 2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• 3D Modeling
• Concept Art
• Digital Illustration
• Game Art & Animation
• Game Design
• Game Programming
• VFX Compositing and FX
• Real-time 3D & Virtual Production
• Game Development - Programming, Design, Game Art & Animation, Real-time 3D & Virtual Production

Animation Career Review Rankings: 

• Top 25 International Animation Training Programs (#25) - 2022

How Much Do Render Wranglers Make?

The BLS does not report salary information for render wranglers. Salaries for animators and CIS managers will give you a good idea of what to expect. The median annual wage for animators is $72,520. The mean annual wage is $78,230. The lowest average salary (for less than 10% of the animation population) is $40,870. The highest 10% earn more than $124,310. At $86,080, multimedia artists and animators working in the motion picture and video industries have the highest annual wage of the top five industries with the highest employment levels for animators.

1. Motion Picture and Video Industries - $86,080
2. Computer Systems Design and Related Services - $78,850
3. Software Publishers - $85,270
4. Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services - $73,780
5. Other Information Services - $80,070

However, the top five highest paying industries for animators are:

1. Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers - $99,790
2. Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing - $90,960
3. Motion Picture and Video Industries - $86,080
4. Software Publishers - $85,270
5. Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing - $83,050

It is important to note that salaries for animators also vary by experience, type and size of company, and even geographic location. For example, Connecticut-based animators average $102,630 per year—the nation’s highest average salary for this profession—while South Carolina-based artists average $36,270—the lowest salary for this profession.

In addition to Connecticut, the top five highest paying states for animators are Washington ($90,700), District of Columbia ($89,210), California ($87,960), and New York ($86,490).

Computer and Information Systems Managers

The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers is $142,530 per year. The mean annual wage is $152,860. The lowest average salary (for less than 10% of the CIS management population) is $85,380. The highest 10% earn more than $180,000. At $159,790, CIS managers working in computer systems design and related services have the highest annual wage of the top five industries with the highest employment levels for this occupation. The other top industries include (in order):

• Management of Companies and Enterprises - $155,460
• Software Publishers - $170,790
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services - $161,070
• Insurance Carriers - $152,870

However, the top five highest paying industries for CIS managers are:

1. Clothing Stores - $193,580
2. Other Information Services - $190,760
3. Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities - $186,540
4. Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures - $181,750
5. Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing - $179,890

It is important to note that in addition to industry, salaries for CIS managers vary by experience, type and size of company, and even geographic location. For example, New York-based CIS managers average $190,310 per year—the nation’s highest average salary for this profession—while Wyoming-based CIS managers average $102,120—the lowest salary for this profession, but still more than double the national average.

In addition to New York, the top five highest paying states for CIS managers are California ($180,250), New Jersey ($176,690), Virginia ($173,290), and Delaware ($169,720).

How Do I Become Render Wrangler?

In today’s competitive job market, a degree is almost always required by employers—even for entry-level positions. Common degree paths for aspiring render wranglers include a BA, BFA or BS in computer animation or digital art and animation, a BS in computer science or computer graphics, a BA or other degree in game design, or an art-related degree with an animation or CGI (computer-generated imagery) focus. Render wranglers must have a high degree of computer literacy and advanced knowledge of 3D packages such as 3ds Max or Maya.

Linux, shell scripting, and basic administration skills are also important as well as writing, organizational skills, and the ability to work well within a group. Because render wranglers are often asked to work the night shift, the ability to work alone and solve problems is a must. 

Which Schools Offer Programs for Aspiring Render Wranglers?

Just about every college or university in America offers computer science degrees. Most offer computer graphics and many offer animation programs. A few top options include:

• Bowling Green State University, BA Digital Arts, Specialization Computer Animation & Video, Imaging, Interactive Multimedia
• Brigham Young University, BS Computer Science, Animation Emphasis, BFA Animation
• California State University Chico, BS Computer Animation and Game Development, Minor Applied Computer Graphics, Video Game Design
• Clemson University, BA/BS Computer Science with a Minor in Digital Production Arts for Animation and Game Design
• Dakota State University, BS Digital Arts and Design: Computer Graphics, Production Animation, Minor Production Animation 2D
• DePaul University, MS Computer Graphics and Motion Technology, BA, BFA, MA, MFA Animation
• DigiPen Institute of Technology, BS Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, BS Computer Science and Game Design, BFA Digital Art and Animation
• Middle Tennessee State University, BS Animation (including three-dimensional computer graphics and animation)
• Purdue Polytechnic Institute, BS Animation
• University of Southern California, BA Animation and Digital Arts

Awesome Animation Fact: The following task may not require the same level of concentration as monitoring an entire render farm, but it's definitely darn interesting! Pick up a pile of Pixar movies and watch them over a relaxing weekend. Did you spot the Pizza Planet truck? If not, you’re not watching close enough because this clunky delivery truck appears in just about every Pixar film. Bonus Fact: The Pizza Planet truck made its debut in Toy Story back in 1995.