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Special Effects Artists and Animators

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 307 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

More exposedband 4 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate nearly every task in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Implement and maintain configuration control systems.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Commercial and Industrial Designers

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay148 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$92,152 vs your $99,474 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Design
    • Near Vision
    • Visualization
    • Active Listening

    New skills to build

    • Mechanical
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Physics
    • Production and Processing
    • Operations Analysis
  • Producers and Directors

    Very similar work
    +11% pay1,963 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 11% more—$110,560 vs your $99,474 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Communications and Media
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • English Language
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Management of Personnel Resources
    • Administration and Management
    • Monitoring
    • Social Perceptiveness
    • Personnel and Human Resources
  • Art Directors

    Similar work
    +42% pay1,124 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 42% more—$141,160 vs your $99,474 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Communications and Media
    • Design
    • English Language
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Fine Arts
    • Operations Analysis
    • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

    Similar work
    slightly less pay283 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$96,026 vs your $99,474 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • English Language
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Near Vision
    • Visualization
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Static Strength
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Quality Control Analysis
    • Far Vision
    • Equipment Selection
  • Sound Engineering Technicians

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay128 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$89,958 vs your $99,474 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Near Vision
    • Customer and Personal Service

    New skills to build

    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Auditory Attention
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Quality Control Analysis