Character Artist salary in New Zealand

Average Yearly Salary of Character Artist in New Zealand is approximately 109,082 NZD (54,651 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Character Artist do?

A character artist is a professional who specializes in creating and designing characters for various forms of media, such as video games, films, animations, and illustrations. They are responsible for bringing fictional characters to life by conceptualizing, sketching, modeling, and texturing them. Character artists work closely with art directors, game designers, and animators to ensure that the characters align with the overall vision and style of the project. Their primary tasks include developing character concepts, creating detailed 2D or 3D character models, sculpting and refining the character's physical features, designing costumes and accessories, and applying textures and colors to enhance realism. They must possess strong artistic skills, proficiency in digital sculpting and modeling software, and a good understanding of anatomy, proportions, and facial expressions. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential qualities for a character artist.

Skills: Character artist, Character designer, Concept artist, 3D modeling, Digital sculpting, Illustration.
Job industry: Entertainment

How much does Character Artist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Character Artist a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Character Artist is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Character Artist?

High salary for Character Artist would be somewhere between 119,990 NZD and 158,169 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Character Artist in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 109,082 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,090 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,098 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 52 NZD per hour
By working as Character Artist a person can save up to 2,616 USD per month or 31,390 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Character Artist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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