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3D Animator/3D Modeler Salary in California

How much does a 3D Animator/3D Modeler make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Animator/3D Modeler in California is $71,188 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,952
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,531 to $82,580
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,739
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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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 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): $68,815
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $84,290
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,155
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $140,134
  • Expert (over 8 years): $170,097
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
3D Animator/3D Modeler less than 1 year $68,815
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $84,290
Motion Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $102,155
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $140,134
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $170,097

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:

  • Los Angeles: $71,311
  • West Hollywood: $71,259
  • Dodgertown: $71,310

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 $99,663 $48.0 40%
Software & Networking $96,104 $46.0 35%
Financial Services $92,544 $44.0 30%
Biotechnology $88,985 $43.0 25%
Internet $85,426 $41.0 20%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$61,531
Average $71,188/year
$82,580
$5,128
Average $5,932/month
$6,882
$1,183
Average $1,369/week
$1,588
$30
Average $34/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,580 $6,882 $1,588 $40
Average $71,188 $5,932 $1,369 $34
25th Percentile $61,531 $5,128 $1,183 $30

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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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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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