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3D Artist/Animator Salary in California

How much does a 3D Artist/Animator make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Artist/Animator in California is $72,461 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,603
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,633 to $84,051
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,684
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D Artist/Animator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 3D Artist/Animator Salaries

A 3D Artist/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.

How Experience Level Affects 3D Artist/Animator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Artist/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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,047
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $85,799
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $103,979
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $142,638
  • Expert (over 8 years): $173,143
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
3D Artist/Animator less than 1 year $70,047
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $85,799
Motion Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $103,979
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $142,638
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $173,143

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

  • District of Columbia: $72,737.
  • California: $72,461.
  • Massachusetts: $71,496.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Artist/Animator

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: $72,586
  • West Hollywood: $72,534
  • Dodgertown: $72,586

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

For 3D Artist/Animator 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 Artist/Animator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Artist/Animator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Artist/Animator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $101,446 $49.0 40%
Software & Networking $97,823 $47.0 35%
Financial Services $94,200 $45.0 30%
Biotechnology $90,577 $44.0 25%
Internet $86,954 $42.0 20%

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

Understanding how a 3D Artist/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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$62,633
Average $72,461/year
$84,051
$5,219
Average $6,038/month
$7,004
$1,204
Average $1,393/week
$1,616
$30
Average $35/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,051 $7,004 $1,616 $40
Average $72,461 $6,038 $1,393 $35
25th Percentile $62,633 $5,219 $1,204 $30

Find Your Next 3D Artist/Animator Job

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

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