Working as an animator

To become a Computer Animator, or any type animator for that matter you NEED to develop your artistic skills. The number one advice you get from an animator is draw, draw, draw. To get a job at a big studio like Disney or Pixar you DO NOT need a degree of any kind. It is reccomended you take classes in the subject at an art school and get a degree but again, it is NOT necessary. You do need skills and a demo reel to prove it. Art schools and animation schools help you learn skills to be able to do this. A demo reel is basically a visual resume of your work which studios use to see what you can do. For Pixar in particular, you do not need to learn a specific software package (until you get the job) because theirs is proprietary and they don't judge you on what you can do on a computer but mostly on how well you can perceive movement in 3 dimension, that can be on paper, with clay, or on a computer. So what I would do is just get your art skills at their very best by taking art classes and drawing a lot! Also make sure you like what you're doing, becasue it's not all funa nd games, unfortunately.
Regarding salaries, it is very varied, from $30,000 a year to $90,000 depending on where you work and what position you have.
Here are some links taht may help you:
Pixar (http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/jobs/ca…
Quote: A Pixar Animator should be able to bring life to any object or character, showing the character’s internal thoughts and feelings through its physical external motion. To do this, the Animator must be a good actor. His or her work should communicate clearly, containing simple ideas with which an audience can empathize. The animation should be entertaining to watch, employing good timing and relying on individualized, believable characters to put forth humor and emotion.
Software doesn’t matter; learning to animate matters
Disney (http://www.disneyanimation.com/careers/f…
Quote: Generally, any open position will require a strong resume, and if applicable a portfolio and/or reel, shot breakdown and submission form which address the requirements of the position. You must love making movies, solving creative problems, and working in a team environment.
Hope I could help. :)
Source(s):
Pixar.com