3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salary in the United States

How much does a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator in the United States is $76,682 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,547
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,281 to $86,033
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,453
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Smart Recruiting
Salary Salary + Bonus Benefits
Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $70,281 10% $64,453 90% $94,547 75% $86,033 $76,682 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $86,033 $7,169 $1,654 $41
Average $76,682 $6,390 $1,475 $37
25th Percentile $70,281 $5,857 $1,352 $34
Check out 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Job Openings in the United States
Registered Nurse

Via Christi Village Hays - HAYS, KS

Travel CCU RN

Focus Staff - BENNINGTON, VT

Physical Therapist

CareFirstNY - CAYUTA, NY

Physical Therapist

CareFirstNY - PAINTED POST, NY

Search More 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Jobs in the United States
Choose Similar Job
Choose Category
Cost of Living
Average Salary for United States
See it in Action

Key Factors That Influence 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salaries

A 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $84,902.
  • California: $84,580.
  • Massachusetts: $83,453.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $96,719
  • San Francisco: $95,660
  • Oakland: $93,644

What Skills Can Increase a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Initiative (Mentioned in 8.93% Job Postings): Taking decisive action and initiating plans independently to address problems, improve professional life, and achieve goals.
  • Illustrator (Mentioned in 2.83% Job Postings): Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. Originally designed for the Apple Macintosh, development of Adobe Illustrator began in 1985. Along with Creative Cloud, Illustrator CC was released.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 1.55% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Initiative 8.93%
Illustrator 2.83%
Schematic 1.55%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator's salary.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis
 $87,417
14%
Insight
 $86,650
13%
Consulting
 $85,884
12%
Installation
 $82,049
7%
Problem Solving
 $80,516
5%
Conceptual Design
 $79,749
4%
Get Latest Data

3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$99,686$48.030%
Aerospace & Defense$92,018$44.020%
Telecom$84,350$41.010%

How Education impacts a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $61,085 and $69,497).

3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.5%
High School 9.1%
Associates 40.9%
Bachelors 27.3%
Masters 4.5%
Doctorate 13.6%
view as graph

3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$70,281
Average $76,682/year
$86,033
$5,857
Average $6,390/month
$7,169
$1,352
Average $1,475/week
$1,654
$34
Average $37/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,033 $7,169 $1,654 $41
Average $76,682 $6,390 $1,475 $37
25th Percentile $70,281 $5,857 $1,352 $34

Salaries of jobs related to 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator

Salary Trends for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator

Salaries for a 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,925 in 2023 to around $65,764 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$65,925
2024
$66,010
2025
$65,764
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $65,925
2024 $66,010
2025 $65,764
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator

Here are companies hiring for 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3D Computer Animation Artist/Layout Animator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

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.

For Employers

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst