I'm not comparing it to accounting, he can't decide between modeling or animation and you suggested programming. So if pay and a high demand are all that matters, accounting is typically listed as one of the jobs with highest demand for people.
suggesting programming to someone who is interested in the art side is a bit ridiculous - you might as well suggest accounting, that has even more demand.
Actually....programming maya/3d apps requires a huge amount of 3d "art" knowledge and 3d theory. Comparing this kind of work to accounting is out of line.