The salary of a 3D Animator I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a 3D Animator I in the United States is $62,000. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $43,087 to a high of $75,182, with most professionals earning between $52,100 and $68,900.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,900 | $5,742 | $1,325 | $33 |
| Average | $62,000 | $5,167 | $1,192 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,100 | $4,342 | $1,002 | $25 |
An entry-level 3D Animator I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $60,522. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $60,966. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $61,261. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $62,206, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $63,030.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 3D Animator I | $60,522 |
| Intermediate Level 3D Animator I | $60,966 |
| Senior Level 3D Animator I | $61,261 |
| Specialist Level 3D Animator I | $62,206 |
| Expert Level 3D Animator I | $63,030 |
| Entry Level | 2% |
| Mid Level | 2% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 2% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in 3D Animator I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $57,414 in 2023 to approximately $57,253 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of 3D Animator I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of 3D Animator I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see 3D Animator I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for 3D Animator I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $62,000 | 69.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,743 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,604 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,240 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 9.3% | ||
| Pension | $3,348 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $7,631 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $89,918 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 10.0% |
| Associates | 10.0% |
| Bachelors | 67.0% |
| Masters | 12.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes, 3D animators can earn a competitive salary. The minimum salary is approximately $54,700, while the mid-range salary is around $63,900, and the maximum can reach up to $75,000 per year. This range reflects the growing demand for skilled animators in various industries.
The majority of 3D animators are happy, creative individuals who enjoy their work. While they may face long hours, the challenges, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities in animation keep them engaged. With salaries ranging from $54,700 to $75,000, many find their compensation aligns well with their passion for the craft.
For a career in 3D animation, degrees such as B.Sc. in 3D Animation Film Making, B.Sc. in Animation and Multimedia, and B.Des. in Animation are highly recommended. With a salary range of $54,700 to $75,000, pursuing these courses can lead to rewarding opportunities in the animation industry.
While a bachelor's degree in fine arts, particularly in digital or 3D computer animation, is often recommended for a career as a 3D animator, it's not always mandatory. Many successful animators build their skills through experience and portfolios. Salaries for 3D animators typically range from $54,700 to $75,000, with a median salary around $63,900.
In the US, 3D animators earn between $54,700 and $75,000 annually, with a median salary of $63,900. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $26.30 to $36.06, depending on experience and skill level.
Salary ranges for 2D and 3D animators vary, with 3D animators typically earning more due to higher demand and the complexity of their work. Based on current data, 3D animators can expect to earn between $54,700 and $75,000 annually, with a median salary of $63,900. In contrast, 2D animators generally earn around $67,851 per year.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
