As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Technical Animator in the United States is $79,721 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a 3D Technical Animator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 3D Technical 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Technical Animator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 3D Technical Animator | $75,067 |
| Intermediate Level 3D Technical Animator | $75,320 |
| Senior Level 3D Technical Animator | $78,476 |
| Specialist Level 3D Technical Animator | $81,962 |
| Expert Level 3D Technical Animator | $82,211 |
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 Technical Animators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 3.56% |
| PowerPoint | 2.41% |
| Logistics | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
UI
|
$82,910 |
4%
|
|
API
|
$82,910 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$82,113 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$81,316 |
2%
|
|
Project Management
|
$81,316 |
2%
|
|
Analysis
|
$80,519 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3D Technical Animators enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Technical Animator with a Associate's Degree is between $74,778 and $78,819).
3D Technical Animator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 4.7% |
| Associates | 5.7% |
| Bachelors | 64.7% |
| Masters | 22.0% |
| Doctorate | 2.7% |
Understanding how a 3D Technical 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a 3D Technical Animator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,549 in 2023 to around $67,756 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 3D Technical Animator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,549 |
| 2024 | $68,001 |
| 2025 | $67,756 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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