Feature animation, games, VFX. California dominates; remote work expanding the pool.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Animators. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $64,700 | $45,500 | $89,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $80,400 | $56,600 | $111,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $92,500 | $65,100 | $128,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $111,000 | $78,100 | $153,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $125,800 | $88,500 | $174,300 |
Top 10 states by median Animator salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $138,700 | $105,400 | $180,300 | +50% |
| Washington DC | $129,400 | $98,400 | $168,300 | +40% |
| New York | $124,800 | $94,900 | $162,300 | +35% |
| Massachusetts | $120,200 | $91,300 | $156,200 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $116,500 | $88,500 | $151,400 | +26% |
| Washington | $115,600 | $87,800 | $150,200 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $111,900 | $85,000 | $145,400 | +21% |
| Maryland | $110,900 | $84,300 | $144,200 | +20% |
| Colorado | $108,200 | $82,200 | $140,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $105,400 | $80,100 | $137,000 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $78,600 | $59,700 | $102,200 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $77,700 | $59,000 | $101,000 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $77,700 | $59,000 | $101,000 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $77,700 | $59,000 | $101,000 | -16% |
| Alabama | $76,700 | $58,300 | $99,800 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $76,700 | $58,300 | $99,800 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $74,000 | $56,200 | $96,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $74,000 | $56,200 | $96,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $72,100 | $54,800 | $93,700 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $72,100 | $54,800 | $93,700 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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