As of July 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:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
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 | $63,475 |
| 3D Animator II | 2-4 years | $77,751 |
| 3D Animator III | 4-7 years | $94,239 |
| 3D Animator IV | 7+ years | $129,271 |
| 3D Animator V | 7-10 years | $156,898 |
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%
|
3D Animator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,019. While startup companies pay approximate $73,592.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,592 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $77,835 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $84,033 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $87,019 |
For 3D Animator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, 3D Animator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Animator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $97,250 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,360 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,360 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $89,470 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,580 | $41.0 | 10% |
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 July 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 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,737 |
| 2024 | $67,496 |
| 2025 | $66,597 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for 3D Animator II and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3D Animator II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for 3D Animator II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
