The salary of an Animation Designer 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 an Animation Designer I in the United States is $61,980. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $43,067 to a high of $75,162, with most professionals earning between $52,080 and $68,880.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,880 | $5,740 | $1,325 | $33 |
| Average | $61,980 | $5,165 | $1,192 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,080 | $4,340 | $1,002 | $25 |
An entry-level Animation Designer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $60,502. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $60,946. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $61,241. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $62,186, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $63,010.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Animation Designer I | $60,502 |
| Intermediate Level Animation Designer I | $60,946 |
| Senior Level Animation Designer I | $61,241 |
| Specialist Level Animation Designer I | $62,186 |
| Expert Level Animation Designer I | $63,010 |
| 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 Animation Designer 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 Animation Designer 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 Animation Designer I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Animation Designer I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Animation Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $61,980 | 68.9% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,741 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,603 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,240 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 9.3% | ||
| Pension | $3,347 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $7,628 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $89,892 | 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?
Motion designers earn a competitive salary, with an average of $63,880 per year. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $54,680 to a maximum of $74,980, depending on experience and skill level. This range reflects the potential for growth in the field, making it a lucrative career choice for many.
For a strong foundation in 3D animation, consider a BTech in Animation or a dedicated 3D Animation Diploma/Degree. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum encompassing 3D Modeling & Texturing, essential for creating realistic characters and environments. As an Animation Designer, you can expect a salary ranging from $54,680 to $74,980, with a median of $63,880.
Animation is a rewarding and creative career, but it can also be very demanding and stressful. Professionals often face tight deadlines, long hours, and high expectations. Despite these challenges, the salary range for Animation Designers is competitive, with a minimum of $54,680, a mid-range of $63,880, and a maximum of $74,980, reflecting the value of their skills and creativity.
Animators in the USA typically earn between $54,680 and $74,980 annually. The average salary is around $63,880, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential for animation designers in the industry.
Most animators reside in cities linked to the film and television industry, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, as well as culturally rich areas like Austin and San Jose. The salary for Animation Designers typically ranges from $54,680 to $74,980, with a median salary of $63,880, reflecting the demand for talent in these vibrant locations.
Yes, an animator can achieve significant financial success. While the salary range for Animation Designers is between $54,680 and $74,980, experienced professionals in specialized roles can earn much more. With dedication and skill, it's possible to reach high earnings, making a career in animation potentially lucrative.
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.
