Senior Animator salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Senior Animator in United States is approximately 96,145 USD (95,739 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 Senior Animator do?

A senior animator is a highly skilled professional responsible for creating and designing complex animations for films, video games, television shows, or other digital media projects. They work closely with art directors, storyboard artists, and other animators to bring characters, objects, and environments to life. Senior animators typically have several years of experience in the field and possess advanced knowledge of animation techniques, software, and tools. Their main tasks include developing and refining character movements, creating realistic or stylized visual effects, and ensuring consistency and quality throughout the animation process. They may also provide guidance and mentorship to junior animators, review and critique their work, and collaborate with other departments to ensure the overall vision of the project is achieved.

Skills: senior animator, animation design, digital media, character animation, visual effects, mentorship
Job industry: Animation

How much does Senior Animator make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Senior Animator a well paid job?

Yes, our data shows that Senior Animator 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 Senior Animator?

High salary for Senior Animator would be somewhere between 105,760 USD and 139,410 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Senior Animator in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 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: 96,145 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,012 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,849 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 USD per hour
By working as Senior Animator a person can save up to 5,698 USD per month or 68,379 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 United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Senior Animator

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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