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Animator Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a animator make in Los Angeles? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.

Median Salary
$129,260
per year in Los Angeles
Entry Level
$76,035
Starting salary
Senior Level
$186,287
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
166
66% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how animator salaries break down across different pay periods in Los Angeles.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,035$129,260$186,287
Monthly$6,336$10,772$15,524
Biweekly$2,924$4,972$7,165
Weekly$1,462$2,486$3,582
Hourly$37$62$90

Los Angeles vs National Average

How Los Angeles's animator salaries compare to national figures.

Los Angeles Salary
$129,260
COL Index: 166
National Average
$75,300
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$53,960
Higher in Los Angeles

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$65,290
per year
Population
3,979,576
residents
Rent % of Income
45.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 166 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Los Angeles have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Animator

Overview

Create animations for films, television, and digital media.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Key Skills

Animation Software3D ModelingMotion GraphicsStorytelling

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Animator Salary

See Animator salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$103,940
-20%
Chicago, IL
$76,330
-41%
Houston, TX
$83,940
-35%
Phoenix, AZ
$77,670
-40%
Philadelphia, PA
$73,590
-43%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a animator salary in Los Angeles.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Los Angeles.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Animator Salary in Los Angeles, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a animator in Los Angeles, CA is $129,260 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Los Angeles's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level animator professionals in Los Angeles can expect to earn around $76,035 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level animators earning approximately $186,287 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Los Angeles are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $75,300, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a animator's salary in Los Angeles typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 23.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Animators are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Los Angeles, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.