As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Animator II in the United States is $77,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a 3D Animator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 3D Animator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Animator II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Animator I | 0-2 years | $63,440 |
| 3D Animator II | 2-4 years | $77,711 |
| 3D Animator III | 4-7 years | $94,219 |
| 3D Animator IV | 7+ years | $129,230 |
| 3D Animator V | 7-10 years | $156,810 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 3D Animator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 2.02% |
| Typography | 2.5% |
| Illustration | 1.66% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$82,468 |
6%
|
|
UI
|
$81,690 |
5%
|
|
Game Engines
|
$80,912 |
4%
|
|
Animation Design
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
|
Marketing Strategy
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
Understanding how a 3D Animator II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a 3D Animator II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the 3D Animator III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $94,300 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a 3D Animator II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,737 in 2023 to around $66,597 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 3D Animator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $68,737 |
| 2024 | $67,496 |
| 2025 | $66,597 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Animation can be a rewarding career in the USA, with 3D animators earning between $73,000 and $86,800 annually. The average salary of $80,200 reflects the growing demand for skilled animators in various industries, making it a promising field for those passionate about creativity and technology.
The highest-paid 3D Animator can earn a maximum salary of $86,800 per year. The average starting salary for a 3D Artist in India is around ?1.6 Lakhs annually, requiring at least one year of experience. In comparison, the highest salary for a 3D Artist in India can reach ?10.7 Lakhs per year.
The cost of creating 2D animation can vary significantly, typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per minute. For professional 3D animation, salaries for animators range from $73,000 to $86,800 annually, which can influence project costs. This versatile art form is widely used in various media projects, including short films, commercials, and full-length movies.
Netflix 3D animators typically earn between $73,000 and $86,800 annually, with a mid-salary of around $80,200. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role.
American animators are generally well-compensated. The salary data for 3D animators shows a minimum salary of $73,000, a mid-range salary of $80,200, and a maximum salary of $86,800 per year. This indicates a solid earning potential, especially for those with experience in the field.
Yes, 3D animators are in demand. While it's a specialized field with around 73,000 animators in a large workforce, the job outlook is positive. With salaries ranging from $73,000 to $86,800, the profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the growing need for skilled animators in various industries.
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