Animator Salary in 2026
Animators create visual effects, 2D and 3D animations for movies, TV shows, video games, and digital media. They bring characters and stories to life through motion and design.
Median Salary
$79,000
$6,583/mo
Entry Level
$49,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$109,000
experienced
Job Growth
+16%
10-yr outlook
Animator Overview
Animators create visual effects, 2D and 3D animations for movies, TV shows, video games, and digital media. They bring characters and stories to life through motion and design.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Creative
Total Jobs (US)
70K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Creative
Hourly Rate
$37.98/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,583
Animator Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Animator salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Animator Salary
$89,000
$7,417/month · $3,423/biweekly · $42.79/hr
Animator Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Animator field.
Entry-level Animators earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $125,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Animators
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $93,000 | +$14,000 |
| New York | $91,000 | +$12,000 |
| Washington | $88,000 | +$9,000 |
| Texas | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
| Georgia | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Animators
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $93,000 | +$14,000 |
| Seattle | $90,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $88,000 | +$9,000 |
| Austin | $81,000 | +$2,000 |
| Atlanta | $77,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Animator Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Animator from entry level to expert.
$49,000
0-2 years
$79,000
3-7 years
$109,000
8-14 years
$141,000
15+ years
Related Creative Jobs
Animator Salary FAQ
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