Walt Disney Animation Studios Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Walt Disney Animation Studios in the United States is $94,703. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at Walt Disney Animation Studios typically range from $83,399 to $107,188 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Walt Disney Animation Studios Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Character TD - Rigging, with an annual salary of $114,406. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Character TD - Rigging

$114,406 / year

Salary Range: $106,539 - $122,099

Solutions Engineering

Character TD, Technical Animation

$82,398 / year

Salary Range: $73,212 - $91,325

Motion Graphics Design

Coordinator, D&I Strategies (People, Culture & Content)

$85,983 / year

Salary Range: $76,465 - $96,435

Employee Relations

Designer (PH)

$82,398 / year

Salary Range: $73,212 - $91,325

Motion Graphics Design

General Technical Director

$78,800 / year

Salary Range: $70,556 - $87,358

Fashion

Layout Artist

$77,052 / year

Salary Range: $67,506 - $87,918

Art Design

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About Walt Disney Animation Studios: Company Profile

Website
www.disneyanimation.com
Founded In
1923
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Location
GLENDALE
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind "Frozen," "Big Hero 6," "Zootopia" and "Moana" brings imagination to life through animated films. Our filmmakers and technologists work together to create the magic of animation. Bring your unique talents, passions and ideas to our team, and prepare to play in a creative and innovative environment. Visit www.disneyanimation.com for the latest news,

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Walt Disney Animation Studios's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
A dependable employer with a fair approach to workload and expectations. I’ve grown so much professionally, and I appreciate the transparent communication from leadership and access to development resources. Leadership is approachable and transparent, valuing employee feedback and promoting career development through ongoing training and mentorship. Flexible work policies and comprehensive benefit...
Career progression is possible, but internal competition can be tough. We are empowered to find and elevate diverse voices, ensuring our content reflects the real world. Recognition programs celebrate achievements regularly. This balance allows creative professionals to maintain their passion without constant burnout. Leadership provides clear direction while allowing creative freedom.
This media firm provides a vibrant workplace filled with talented professionals. The office atmosphere is always buzzing with creative energy. This is a space that champions creativity and individuality.

Is Walt Disney Animation Studios’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Walt Disney Animation Studios's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
W A M C PUBLIC RADIO $80,242
-15.3%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
W.D. HOARD & SONS COMPANY $75,070
-20.7%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like W.D. HOARD & SONS COMPANY.
W D E V $76,007
-19.7%
W D E V may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
W A I B B103 TALLAHASSEE COUNTRY $68,817
-27.3%
W A I B B103 TALLAHASSEE COUNTRY likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Media Industry $125,523
+32.5%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Glendale?

Understanding the cost of living near Glendale is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Glendale's Cost of Living Index is approximately 167.2 (67.2% more expensive than US average; 19.6% more than CA average). LA County city near downtown LA, very high housing costs, desirable, with many amenities. When planning your budget based on a salary from Walt Disney Animation Studios, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,300 - $3,300+ A significant portion of Walt Disney Animation Studios salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $75 (Beeline/Metro access varies) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $470 - $700 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $760+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,855 - $5,885+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Walt Disney Animation Studios

FAQ 1: What is the estimated average total compensation at Walt Disney Animation Studios?
Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Walt Disney Animation Studios, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $94,703 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.
FAQ 2: How much does Walt Disney Animation Studios pay compared to W A M C PUBLIC RADIO?
The average annual salary at Walt Disney Animation Studios is $94,703, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to W A M C PUBLIC RADIO which pays $80,242 per year or $39 per hour.
FAQ 3: What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Walt Disney Animation Studios?
Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Walt Disney Animation Studios can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Walt Disney Animation Studios in Glendale is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Walt Disney Animation Studios in Glendale is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Walt Disney Animation Studios and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Glendale" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Are promotions at Walt Disney Animation Studios usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?
Yes, promotions at Walt Disney Animation Studios are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.