How Much Does a 3D Animator Make? (2025)
You are likely here to learn more about 3D animators, from their job descriptions to salary expectations. Understanding the 3D animator salary can be highly valuable if you are considering proceeding with this career path.
As of January 2025, the average 3D animator salary in the United States is $63,900, according to data from Salary.com. Also, the job outlook for 3D animators is expected to grow by 4 percent for the next 8 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This salary guide provides information about the 3D animator role, including compensation, factors affecting pay, and answers to common questions.
What Does a 3D Animator do?
A 3D animator creates 2D and 3D animations for digital platforms like websites and mobile apps. They use sketches, storyboards, and animatics to develop concepts and produce detailed animations and videos, often focusing on bringing human characters or movements to life. They also work with designers and developers to integrate graphics into projects smoothly.
According to Salary.com data, the job typically needs a bachelor’s degree in art or design and 0 to 2 years of experience. It often reports to a manager, focuses on simpler projects, and requires skill with design tools.
What is 3D Animator Salary Overview?
The average salary for 3D animators in the United States in 2025 is $63,900 per year or $31 per hour, as of January 01, 2025.
Based on our data, the 3D animator salary range is between $46,324 to $85,106 per year, with most earning between $54,700 and $75,000. The 3D animator salary per month is $5,325.
3D animators often earn a national average of $31 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $22 to $41. The average weekly salary for 3D animators is $1,229, with pay ranging from $891 to $1,637.
2025 3D Animator Average Salary: $63,900 per year ($31 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core salary for 3D animators is $66,200 per year, including salary and bonuses, and this varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,096 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,200 |
| 50th Percentile | $66,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,024 |
The average total salary for 3D animators is $95,443, according to Salary.com report. The total compensation package for the role includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($8,148), and Social Security ($5,064), which make up 22.6% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $63,900 | 67.0% |
| Bonus | $2,300 | 2.4% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $5,064 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $2,780 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,324 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.8% |
| Pension | $3,575 | 3.7% |
| Time Off | $8,148 | 8.5% |
| Total Compensation | $95,443 | 100% |
Remember that every organization may vary, so verify this information with your employer.
What Can Affect 3D Animator Salaries?
The salary of a 3D animator varies significantly, especially when factors like experience, location, education, and skills are considered. Here's the breakdown of the key components that affect earnings.
By Experience Level
Salary.com data shows that 3D animators with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $62,042 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $65,042 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 3D Animator | $62,042 |
| Intermediate Level 3D Animator | $62,449 |
| Senior Level 3D Animator | $62,721 |
| Specialist Level 3D Animator | $63,728 |
| Expert Level 3D Animator | $65,042 |
By Geographic Location
The salary of a 3D animator in the United States also varies by location. This is likely due to factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities reported in the United States, San Jose has the highest median salary at $80,100 per year, while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $61,600 and $63,000 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $68,600 | $80,100 | $94,100 |
| San Francisco, California | $68,300 | $79,800 | $93,700 |
| Washington, D.C. | $60,800 | $71,100 | $83,500 |
| Miami, Florida | $52,800 | $61,600 | $72,400 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $57,400 | $67,000 | $78,700 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $61,300 | $71,600 | $84,100 |
| New York, New York | $63,900 | $74,600 | $87,600 |
| Dallas, Texas | $54,000 | $63,000 | $74,000 |
By Skills
High-demand skills contribute to salary increases for 3D animators. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, a 3D animator can earn a 16.87% increase by possessing video production skills, while those with motion graphic design skills can receive a 16.38% increase. The demand for these skills is 7.44% and 18.71%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Video Production | +16.87% | 7.44% |
| Motion Graphic Design | +16.38% | 18.71% |
| Typography | +14.65% | 8.25% |
| Animation | +14.31% | 42.23% |
| Illustration | +13.07% | 7.57% |
| Adobe Creative Suite | +11.64% | 18.71% |
By Education
Educational levels can also influence the pay scale. According to our report, most 3D animators have a bachelor's degree (67%), followed by those with a master's degree (12.2%), and a smaller percentage hold a doctorate (0.8%).
| Degree Level | % of Users with this Level of Education |
|---|---|
| Associates | 10.00% |
| Bachelors | 67.00% |
| Masters | 12.20% |
| Doctorate | 0.80% |
How to Become a 3D Animator
To become a 3D animator, you'll need to meet some qualifications like education, experience, and certain skills to succeed.
Get basic education: A bachelor’s degree in animation, fine arts, or computer graphics is usually required. Programs include drawing, animation, computer science, and film. Some schools offer degrees in interactive media or game design. Employers value strong portfolios and technical skills developed during these programs.
Gain relevant experience: According to a Salary.com report, employers often seek aspiring animators with 0 to 2 years of experience. Internships or entry-level roles in animation studios, film production, or game design provide hands-on experience. A strong portfolio of your best work is key for career growth and will help you respond to opportunities in the industry.
Learn essential skills and tools: Certain tools and skills are in high demand. Motion graphic design, along with artistic talent, creativity, and time-management skills, are valuable assets for animators. Master industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Adobe Creative Suite to produce professional-quality work.
What are the FAQs about 3D Animator?
Now, let's answer some common questions about the 3D animator salary:
Do 3D animators get paid well?
Yes, 3D animators can earn a good income. However, Salaries may vary depending on experience, location (individual cities or states), industry, and employer. For example, entry-level animators can earn $62,042, while expert animators earn $65,042.
Additionally, the BLS reported that artists and animators working in software publishing earn about 36.22% more than those in computer systems design and related services.
Is a 3D animation career worth it?
If you're an aspiring 3D animator with a passion for creativity and technology, this career path can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to create imaginative worlds and characters for films, video games, commercials, and more, in connection with the latest animation technology.
How much do 3D animators make in Texas?
The average salary for 3D animators in Texas is $62,500 per year. The pay can vary significantly, with some earning as low as $45,306 and others making over $83,324 per year. These figures reflect current trends in the industry.
On the other hand, other salary-reporting sites, such as Indeed and Comparably, reported average annual salaries of $75,970 and $45,017, respectively.
Is there a high demand for 3D animators?
Yes, there is a high demand for skilled 3D animators due to the growing need for visual effects in movies, TV, and video games. In fact, BLS projected employment for animators to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033.
Companies in entertainment and gaming are driving this demand, but AI advancements may reduce demand for some roles as automation increases.
Do you need a degree to be a 3D animator?
Yes, completing a degree in art, design, computer graphics, or a related field is usually required. However, some animators have built their careers through self-study, online courses, and a strong portfolio.
