Otaku USA Magazine
Study Confirms Incredibly Low Earnings for Entry-Level Animators

There’s been a lot of talk in recent months (years, even) about the low wages in the anime industry, especially for entry-level animators. But just how much (or little, rather) do newbie animators make? A thorough study by the Japanese government has revealed the average salary for entry-level animators, and the results are not encouraging.

According to the study, conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and JAniCA, the anime industry labor union, the average entry-level animator makes 1.1 million yen a year – that translates to $9,200 a year.

That’s roughly the same figure uncovered by a 2009 study, meaning the government’s support for animation via its Cool Japan initiative is not exactly trickling down to the lower rungs of the industry.

This news follows a blog post a few months ago from animator Sachiko Kamimura, who said new animators make about $1 an hour. Others in the industry, however, point out that new animators don’t stay new animators for long, and are often promoted to more lucrative work. Additionally, some studios, such as Trigger, are known for offering their employees a fixed salary rather than a per-frame rate.

Still, $9,200 a year. Whew.

Source: ANN


More animator stories:


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Matt Schley

Matt Schley (rhymes with "guy") lives in Tokyo, and has been OUSA's "man in Japan" since 2012. He's also written about anime and Japanese film for the Japan Times, Screen Daily and more.

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