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3D Generalist/Animator Salary in the United States

How much does a 3D Generalist/Animator make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Generalist/Animator in the United States is $75,007 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,115
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,547 to $82,915
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,756
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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

Key Factors That Influence 3D Generalist/Animator Salaries

A 3D Generalist/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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 3D Generalist/Animator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Generalist/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): $59,054
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $73,359
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $89,954
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,508
  • Expert (over 8 years): $105,691
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Human Resources Generalist I less than 1 year $59,054
3D Generalist/Animator 1-2 years $73,359
Human Resources Generalist III 2-4 years $89,954
Human Resources Generalist IV 5-8 years $108,508
Human Resources Supervisor over 8 years $105,691

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

  • District of Columbia: $83,048.
  • California: $82,733.
  • Massachusetts: $81,630.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Generalist/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:

  • San Jose: $94,606
  • San Francisco: $93,570
  • Oakland: $91,598

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

For 3D Generalist/Animator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, 3D Generalist/Animator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Generalist/Animator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Generalist/Animator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $93,759 $45.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $86,258 $41.0 15%
Financial Services $86,258 $41.0 15%
Internet $86,258 $41.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $82,508 $40.0 10%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3D Generalist/Animator professionals enter the field with a Associate's 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 Generalist/Animator with a Associate's is between $74,173 and $78,353.

3D Generalist/Animator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for 3D Generalist/Animator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 0.7%
High School 10.5%
Associate's Degree 7.6%
Bachelor's Degree 55.4%
Master's Degree or MBA 25.3%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.5%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a 3D Generalist/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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$67,547
Average $75,007/year
$82,915
$5,629
Average $6,251/month
$6,910
$1,299
Average $1,442/week
$1,595
$32
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,915 $6,910 $1,595 $40
Average $75,007 $6,251 $1,442 $36
25th Percentile $67,547 $5,629 $1,299 $32

Most common benefits for 3D Generalist/Animator

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

Common company salaries for 3D Generalist/Animator

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

Find Your Next 3D Generalist/Animator Job

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

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  • OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    Ultrasonographer

    OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could... more

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FAQ about 3D Generalist/Animator

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for 3D Generalist/Animator roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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