As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Animator in the United States is $126,323 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Lead Animator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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 Lead Animator | $122,963 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Animator | $123,460 |
| Senior Level Lead Animator | $124,256 |
| Specialist Level Lead Animator | $125,251 |
| Expert Level Lead Animator | $126,699 |
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 Lead Animators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 6.67% |
| Digital Design | 6.67% |
| Illustrator | 6.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Typography
|
$147,798 |
17%
|
|
Adobe Creative Suite
|
$135,166 |
7%
|
|
Storyboard
|
$133,902 |
6%
|
|
Motion Graphics
|
$131,376 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Lead 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 Lead Animator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,573 in 2023 to around $101,589 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Animator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $107,573 |
| 2024 | $104,828 |
| 2025 | $101,589 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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