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Animation Lead Salary in the United States

How much does an Animation Lead make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animation Lead in the United States is $95,448 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

However, an Animation Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $109,929
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,267 to $103,028
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,818
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Animation Lead Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Animation Lead Salaries

An Animation Lead'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 Animation Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animation Lead'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): $63,233
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $77,453
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,869
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $128,768
  • Expert (over 8 years): $156,300
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Motion Graphic Design Specialist I less than 1 year $63,233
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $77,453
Animation Lead 2-4 years $93,869
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $128,768
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $156,300

How Do Animation Lead 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 Animation Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $105,680.
  • California: $105,279.
  • Massachusetts: $103,876.

Top Paying Cities for Animation Lead

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: $120,389
  • San Francisco: $119,071
  • Oakland: $116,561

Animation Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animation Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 62% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Telecom and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Animation Lead positions in Transportation or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animation Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animation Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Telecom $116,447 $56.0 22%
Energy & Utilities $114,538 $55.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $114,538 $55.0 20%
Software & Networking $114,538 $55.0 20%
Healthcare $109,765 $53.0 15%

Animation Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Animation Lead'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
$87,267
Average $95,448/year
$103,028
$7,272
Average $7,954/month
$8,586
$1,678
Average $1,836/week
$1,981
$42
Average $46/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,028 $8,586 $1,981 $50
Average $95,448 $7,954 $1,836 $46
25th Percentile $87,267 $7,272 $1,678 $42

Most common benefits for Animation Lead

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

Common company salaries for Animation Lead

Here are companies hiring for Animation Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Animation Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animation Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Ohio | Columbus, OH

    Radiology

    Ohio | Columbus, OH

    100% Remote - Ohio Neuro Teleradiology JobClinical Role. Do you know someone that might be a good fit for this position. Please ask about our generous refe... more

    10 Days Ago

  • C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Local CDL

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

    18 Days Ago

  • 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

    21 Days Ago

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FAQ about Animation Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Animation Lead?

The Telecom industry offers the highest average compensation for Animation Lead roles, with salaries approximately 22% 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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