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3D & Motion Graphics Artist Salary in California

How much does a 3D & Motion Graphics Artist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D & Motion Graphics Artist in California is $67,423 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,526
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,000 to $74,282
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,242
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D & Motion Graphics Artist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 3D & Motion Graphics Artist Salaries

A 3D & Motion Graphics Artist'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 & Motion Graphics Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D & Motion Graphics Artist'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): $65,994
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $77,325
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,874
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $115,924
  • Expert (over 8 years): $136,289
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
3D & Motion Graphics Artist less than 1 year $65,994
Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $77,325
Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $93,874
Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $115,924
Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $136,289

How Do 3D & Motion Graphics Artist 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 & Motion Graphics Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $67,680.
  • California: $67,423.
  • Massachusetts: $66,525.

Top Paying Cities for 3D & Motion Graphics Artist

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: $67,539
  • West Hollywood: $67,490
  • Dodgertown: $67,539

3D & Motion Graphics Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D & Motion Graphics Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 3D & Motion Graphics Artist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D & Motion Graphics Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a 3D & Motion Graphics Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $80,908 $39.0 20%

3D & Motion Graphics Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D & Motion Graphics Artist'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
$60,000
Average $67,423/year
$74,282
$5,000
Average $5,619/month
$6,190
$1,154
Average $1,297/week
$1,428
$29
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,282 $6,190 $1,428 $36
Average $67,423 $5,619 $1,297 $32
25th Percentile $60,000 $5,000 $1,154 $29

Find Your Next 3D & Motion Graphics Artist Job

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

  • Breakout Tools | Hayes Valley, CA

    AI Motion Artist&amp Animator Tastemaker Next Gen Tools

    Breakout Tools | Hayes Valley, CA

    A leading AI product organization in California seeks a Motion Artist/Animator to join its network of experts. This role involves engaging in creative tour... more

    2 Days Ago

  • GBP-Cincinnati | LEBANON, OH

    Graphics Designer

    GBP-Cincinnati | LEBANON, OH

    GBP-Cincinnati is seeking a Graphics Designer to create digital and print assets that support branding, marketing, and communications. In this role, you wi... more

    1 Day Ago

  • MCC | SCOTTSBURG, IN

    Graphics Prepress Specialist

    MCC | SCOTTSBURG, IN

    Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a dedicated global nonprofit organization, is looking for a Graphics Prepress Specialist to join our team. This role is ... more

    1 Day Ago

  • MCC | BATAVIA, OH

    Graphics Prepress Specialist

    MCC | BATAVIA, OH

    Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a dedicated global nonprofit organization, is looking for a Graphics Prepress Specialist to join our team. This role is ... more

    1 Day Ago

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    Subway Sandwich Artist

    Pilot Flying J | BIG SPRINGS, NE

    Join Pilot Flying J as a Subway Sandwich Artist and help fuel the journeys of professional drivers and travelers. In this fast-paced, guest-focused role, y... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Pilot Flying J | CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, NM

    Subway Sandwich Artist

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    Join Pilot Flying J as a Subway Sandwich Artist and help fuel the journeys of professional drivers and travelers. In this fast-paced, guest-focused role, y... more

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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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