If you have a creative mind, are artistic, and like technology, you may be a good fit for a career in digital media.
This career requires a combination of technical, artistic, analytical, and production skills.
Often, you may be working on teams with one person responsible for one part of the finished product.
1. Photographer
Why Become a Photographer?
Some pursue an education in photography, others educate themselves on their own via books and websites.
You will need to have a creative eye, photographic stills, and knowledge of the equipment used and different techniques.
As a professional photographer you will do the following:
- Take photos
- Select lenses and cameras
- Change lighting and backdrops
- Direct models
- Develop and edit photos
- Promote and market yourself
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 the median pay for a photographer was $41,280 per year, which comes to $19.85 per hour.
The job outlook from 2020 to 2030 shows an expected 17% increase, which is faster than many other jobs.
| Photographer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $48,210 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $23.18 |
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 17% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Photographer
2. Video Editor
Why Become a Video Editor?
A video editor uses a variety of different media to entertain and share information.
They work in a variety of industries like broadcast TV, movies and cable TV, and freelance video editors.
A video editor is responsible for taking a story and making it interesting using different components.
They will need how to edit various types of media together including:
- Film
- Video
- Audio
- Photography
- Soundtracks
Talented video editors can make a very healthy wage.
The median income in 2020 was $61,900 per year or $29.76 per hour.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a spike in demand between 2020 and 2030 with an expected 29% increase in available jobs.
Video editors typically attend a two to four-year college.
| Video Editor Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $76,000 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $36.54 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Video Editor
3. Animator
Why Become an Animator (Digital/3D)?
Becoming an animator can be a fun, creative way to make a short film, commercial, or movie.
Most animations today are created digitally with the use of computers.
There are many different areas that animators can explore including:
- Suggest story ideas
- Draw characters, backgrounds, and other animations
- Use several computer programs
- Build models
- Create storyboards
- Adding audio
The median income for an animator in 2020 was $77,700 per year, this is $37.36 per hour.
The outlook from 2020 to 2030 is up 16%, showing the need for animators is expected to increase.
Animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or both.
| Animator Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $86,220 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $41.45 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Animator (Digital/3D)
4. Graphic Designer
Why Become a Graphic Designer?
If you are creative and have some artistic skills, you may be a good fit for becoming a graphic designer.
You may be tasked with developing logs, letterhead, sketches, and other design work.
As a graphic designer, you can expect to handle the following tasks:
- Drawing sketches
- Developing ideas
- Creating artwork
- Presenting work to clients
- Access client needs
- Promotion and marketing
The median salary for a graphic designer is around $53,380 or $25.66 per hour.
Most of those that are successful graphic artists have a bachelor’s degree.
The job outlook for graphic designers is rather slow for the next 10 years with only 3% growth.
| Graphic Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $59,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $28.83 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Graphic Designer
5. Video Game Designer
Why Become a Video Game Designer?
If you have a creative eye and enjoy video games, you may want to pursue a job doing what you love.
Gamers are good video game designers because they already understand how to create a captivating story with great graphics.
As a video game designer, you will be expected to do the following:
- Create concepts
- Create renderings
- Develop characters
- Utilize a variety of computer programs
- Check for bugs
- Update games
Game developers get paid very handsomely, but they do need to have a four-year degree in most cases.
The median salary is $110,140 per year.
The job outlook is also projected to grow 22% until 2030.
| Video Game Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $59,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $28.83 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Video Game Designer
6. Web Developer
Why Become a Web Developer?
Web developers are responsible for designing websites and use computer and programming languages to create the back-end site and the functional front end that people see.
Some of the common duties of a web developer can include:
- Determine client expectations
- Provide layouts
- Use HTML or XML coding
- Work with writers for content
- Upload graphics, audio, or video onto the website
The median salary for a Web developer is around $82,370 per year or $39.64 per year.
The job outlook is expected to grow about 13% from 2020 through 2030.
| Web Developer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $59,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $28.83 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 13% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Web Developer
7. Web Designer
Why Become a Web Designer?
Web designers are responsible for coming up with concepts for Websites as well as designing the look and feel of the site using a variety of computer programs.
As a Web designer, you can expect to do the following:
- Discuss clients vision
- Design websites
- Modify/rebrand existing websites
- Source photography, artwork, and content
- Test for bugs
- Optimized for SEO
The median salary for a Web designer is around $82,370, but freelancers can often make much more.
A bachelor’s degree is usually needed to learn all the different programs.
The outlook for Web designers is expected to grow about 13% until 2030.
| Web Designer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $59,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $28.83 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 13% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Web Designer
8. Film Producer
Why Become a Film Producer?
Many new film producers start their career-making educational films or low-budget movies to get their foot in the door and gain experience.
They need to wear many hats, everything from getting funding, choosing actors, and all other decisions revolving around the making of the movie.
As a film producer you will be responsible for:
- Secure funding
- Secure talent
- Choose director
- Choose cameraman
- Work with the director
- Monitor progress and budgets
- Oversee scripts, screenplays, etc.
The median salary for a film producer is around $93,940 a year, $45.16 per hour.
The outlook for film producers is expected to climb by 5% in the next 10 years.
In most cases, a film producer will need at least four years of school.
| Film Producer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $101,950 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $49.01 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Film Producer
9. Movie Director
Why Become a Movie Director?
A movie director wears many hats and responsibilities.
It can be difficult to get your career started, but those that are successful can expect a life of glamor and earning big bucks.
Movie directors must be jugglers as there are so many things they are responsible for, including:
- Ensuring the set is ready
- Approving costume
- Casting actors
- Choosing locations
- Reviewing scripts and screenplays
- Reviewing cinematography
- Directing actors
- Editing a movie and sound
The median salary for a movie director is around $76,400, but that can go much higher if the director has an award-winning movie.
The career outlook is very positive in this arena, with anticipated growth of 24% until 2030.
| Movie Director Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $101,950 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $49.01 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Movie Director
