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3D Animator/3D Modeler Salary in the United States

How much does a 3D Animator/3D Modeler make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Animator/3D Modeler in the United States is $64,540 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a 3D Animator/3D Modeler's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,272
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,785 to $74,868
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,814
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D Animator/3D Modeler Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence 3D Animator/3D Modeler Salaries

A 3D Animator/3D Modeler'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 Experience Level Affects 3D Animator/3D Modeler Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Animator/3D Modeler'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $62,389
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $76,419
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $92,616
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $127,048
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,213
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
3D Animator/3D Modeler less than 1 year $62,389
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $76,419
Motion Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $92,616
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $127,048
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $154,213

How Do 3D Animator/3D Modeler 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 Animator/3D Modelers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $71,459.
  • California: $71,188.
  • Massachusetts: $70,239.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Animator/3D Modeler

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: $81,405
  • San Francisco: $80,513
  • Oakland: $78,817

3D Animator/3D Modeler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D Animator/3D Modeler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, 3D Animator/3D Modeler positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Animator/3D Modeler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Animator/3D Modeler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $90,356 $43.0 40%
Software & Networking $87,129 $42.0 35%
Financial Services $83,902 $40.0 30%
Biotechnology $80,675 $39.0 25%
Internet $77,448 $37.0 20%

How Education impacts a 3D Animator/3D Modeler's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3D Animator/3D Modeler professionals enter the field with a high school 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 Animator/3D Modeler with a high school is between $54,202 and $59,919.

3D Animator/3D Modeler Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for 3D Animator/3D Modeler
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 10%
High School 10%
Associate's Degree 10%
Bachelor's Degree 67%
Master's Degree or MBA 12.2%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.8%
View as Graph

3D Animator/3D Modeler Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D Animator/3D Modeler'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 September 01, 2026
$55,785
Average $64,540/year
$74,868
$4,649
Average $5,378/month
$6,239
$1,073
Average $1,241/week
$1,440
$27
Average $31/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,868 $6,239 $1,440 $36
Average $64,540 $5,378 $1,241 $31
25th Percentile $55,785 $4,649 $1,073 $27

Most common benefits for 3D Animator/3D Modeler

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

Common company salaries for 3D Animator/3D Modeler

Here are companies hiring for 3D Animator/3D Modeler and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 3D Animator/3D Modeler Job

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

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FAQ about 3D Animator/3D Modeler

1. What industry pays the highest salary for 3D Animator/3D Modeler?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for 3D Animator/3D Modeler roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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.)

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