As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animation Technical Director in the United States is $189,155 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.
However, an Animation Technical Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Animation Technical Director'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 an Animation Technical Director'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 |
|---|---|
| Graphic D... Level Animation Technical Director | $126,444 |
| Graphic D... Level Animation Technical Director | $102,524 |
| Graphic D... Level Animation Technical Director | $123,345 |
| Graphic D... Level Animation Technical Director | $152,618 |
| Animation... Level Animation Technical Director | $185,464 |
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 Animation Technical Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Animation Technical Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Animation Technical Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animation Technical Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $226,986 | $109.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $226,986 | $109.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $208,071 | $100.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $208,071 | $100.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $208,071 | $100.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Animation Technical Director'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, 2026Salaries for an Animation Technical Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $171,183 in 2023 to around $163,501 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Animation Technical Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $171,183 |
| 2024 | $166,814 |
| 2025 | $163,501 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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