Wyoming is home to more than 3,000 professionals working in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media occupations. Just a few include graphic design, producing and directing, public relations, photography, and film and video camera operators. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has not determined the number of animators living and working in Wyoming, the state has an impressive Film Office that has attracted award-winning productions such as Nebraska (2013), Django Unchained (2012), and Brokeback Mountain (2005), most recently, as well as older films such as Starship Troopers (1997), Dances with Wolves (1990), as well as Rocky IV (1985), and Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Disney/Pixar’s animated film The Good Dinosaur (2015) recreates Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
Both live-action and animated productions such as these (along with the help of the Wyoming Film Office, of course) help ensure that Wyoming’s production studios and related services remain active. Local animation studios may lend a hand with everything from filmmaking and post-production to promotions. Besides film, local animators may find employment at a number of creative agencies, PR firms, technology companies, television studios, and academic institutions.
Continue reading to learn more about employment and salary trends for Wyoming-based animators, and find out about the best training programs and possible job opportunities.
Employment and Salary Trends for Wyoming Animators
Wyoming is home to 3,280 professionals working in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media (ADESM) occupations and the population is growing. In 2013, the state was home to 2,810 ADESM professionals. Salaries are on the rise as well. In 2013, the average salary was $37,610. Today, the average salary is $38,480 per year. Nationwide, the median annual wage for animators and multimedia artists was $63,970 as of March 30, 2016 and overall employment for this group is expected to increase by six percent for the 2014-2024 decade. This is as fast as average for all occupations.
It is important to note that many animators and multimedia artists are self-employed. In fact, according to the Bureau, "Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers” has the second highest concentration of employment (not highest employment level) in the nation for animators and multimedia artists. This means it’s safe to assume that there is a significant population of animators and multimedia artists in Wyoming. These independent artists typically earn more as well. According to the Bureau, the average salary for this group is $70,080 per year.
The five highest paying states for animators and multimedia artists are:
- California ($82,810)
- Washington ($80,460)
- Connecticut ($77,860)
- Massachusetts ($74,440)
- District of Columbia ($74,230)
The industries with the highest concentration of employment for animators and multimedia artists are:
- Motion Picture and Video industries
- Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
- Software Publishers
- Cable and Other Subscription Programming
- Specialized Design Services
The industries with the highest levels of employment are:
- Motion Picture and Video industries
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Software Publishers
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
- Other Information Services
The top paying industries for animators and multimedia artists are:
- Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services ($85,750)
- Other Information Services ($82,940)
- Software Publishers ($76,920)
- Professional Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers ($75,540)
- Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers ($74,960)
The states with the highest employment levels for animators and multimedia artists are California, Georgia, New York, Texas, and Washington.
Animation Career Opportunities in Wyoming
Aspiring animators in Wyoming might find opportunities at a number of creative agencies, production studios, and design firms. As mentioned, there may also be opportunities to teach at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. The state is home to 29 Title IV Degree-Granting colleges and universities, and 370 elementary and secondary institutions. Just a few possibilities in other areas include:
- Adbay.com, Casper
- Ball Advertising Group, Casper
- Big Idea Advertising and Graphic Design, Cody
- KGB Productions, Jackson Hole
- Open Creative, Jackson
- Townsquare Media, Casper
- Warehouse Twenty One, Cheyenne
Although animation jobs may be available throughout the state of Wyoming, consider searching major cities such as Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, and Laramie.
Wyoming Animation Training Programs
Several colleges offer art and design programs. Some list animation courses as part of the curriculum. Options include:
- University of Wyoming-Department of Art, Laramie
- Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs
- College America, Cheyenne
- Sheridan College, Sheridan
- Eastern Wyoming College, Torrington
- Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne
- Central Wyoming College, Riverton
- Northwest College, Powell
- Casper College, Casper
A few program and course options include 3D Animation, Graphic Arts, Visual Arts, Computer Animation, Multimedia with 3D Animation, and Digital Multimedia with Graphics and Animation.
Awesome Animation Fact: While animation in early games was basic, early maze games such as Pac-Man, and puzzle games like Tetris paved the way for more sophisticated action games like Street Fighter and Killer Instinct (fighting games); Castle Wolfenstein (a first-person shooter game); and third-person 3-D games, such as Tomb Raider and Deathtrap Dungeon. –Encyclopedia.com