As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Entry Level Animator in the United States is $62,003. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $52,103 to $68,903, with most professionals earning between $43,090 and $75,185.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,903 | $5,742 | $1,325 | $33 |
| Average | $62,003 | $5,167 | $1,192 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,103 | $4,342 | $1,002 | $25 |
An entry-level Entry Level Animator with less than 1 year of experience earns about $60,625. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $61,069. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $61,364. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $62,309, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $63,133.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Level Animator | $60,625 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Animator | $61,069 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Animator | $61,364 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Animator | $62,309 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Animator | $63,133 |
| 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 Entry Level Animator 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 Entry Level Animator 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 Entry Level Animator information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Entry Level Animator job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Entry Level Animator and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $62,003 | 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 | $89,922 | 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?
A junior Animator in the USA typically earns between $54,703 and $75,003 annually, with a median salary of around $63,903. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $26.30 to $36.06, depending on experience and location.
As an Entry Level Animator, you can expect a salary ranging from $54,703 to $75,003 annually, with a midpoint of $63,903. This translates to a monthly income of approximately $4,558 to $6,250, depending on your experience and skills in the field.
Animation can be a rewarding career for those with a passion for visual storytelling and design. Entry-level animators in the USA can expect salaries ranging from $54,703 to $75,003, with a median salary of $63,903. The industry is growing, with a projected job growth rate of 8.2% for multimedia artists and animators from 2022 to 2032.
Yes, you can live off being an animator. While the field is competitive and often involves short-term employment, it is growing rapidly. Entry-level animators can expect salaries ranging from $54,703 to $75,003, with a median salary of $63,903. With dedication and the right skills, you can earn a comfortable living in this dynamic industry.
Animator salaries can vary significantly based on experience and specialization. Entry-level animators typically earn between $54,703 and $75,003, with a mid-salary of $63,903. Specializing in areas like 3D animation or visual effects can lead to higher earnings, especially for senior roles, which can command even more in major studios or high-profile projects.
The salary range for an Entry Level Animator is approximately $54,703 to $75,003 per year. The average salary for this position is around $63,903 annually. This reflects the base salary and does not include additional compensation that may be offered.
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.
