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Animation Technician Salary in California

How much does an Animation Technician make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animation Technician in California is $47,180 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,327
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,061 to $51,445
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,311
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Animation Technician Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Animation Technician Salaries

An Animation Technician'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 Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animation Technician'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): $45,501
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,410
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $48,069
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $48,247
  • Expert (over 8 years): $48,365
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Animation Technician less than 1 year $45,501
Early Career Level Animation Technician 1-2 years $46,410
Mid-Level Level Animation Technician 2-4 years $48,069
Senior-Level Level Animation Technician 5-8 years $48,247
Expert Level Animation Technician over 8 years $48,365

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

  • District of Columbia: $47,360.
  • California: $47,180.
  • Massachusetts: $46,552.

Top Paying Cities for Animation Technician

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: $47,262
  • West Hollywood: $47,228
  • Dodgertown: $47,261

Animation Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animation Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Animation Technician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animation Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animation Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $61,335 $29.0 30%
Chemicals $51,899 $25.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Animation Technician'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
$43,061
Average $47,180/year
$51,445
$3,588
Average $3,932/month
$4,287
$828
Average $907/week
$989
$21
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,445 $4,287 $989 $25
Average $47,180 $3,932 $907 $23
25th Percentile $43,061 $3,588 $828 $21

Find Your Next Animation Technician Job

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

  • ProAmpac | NORFOLK, NY

    Technician

    ProAmpac | NORFOLK, NY

    ProAmpac, a leading global flexible packaging company, is seeking a Technician for our Engineering, Maintenance & Asset Management department. In this role... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Person Memorial Hospital | ROXBORO, NC

    Technician

    Person Memorial Hospital | ROXBORO, NC

    Person Memorial Hospital in Roxboro, NC is seeking a skilled Cat Scan Technician to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will per... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Starr Regional Medical Center | ATHENS, TN

    Technician

    Starr Regional Medical Center | ATHENS, TN

    Starr Regional Medical Center is seeking a skilled Cat Scan Technician to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will perform CT im... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Transdev | CUBA, NY

    Technician

    Transdev | CUBA, NY

    Transdev is hiring a Technician to support safe, reliable public transportation by maintaining and repairing buses and transit vehicles. In this role, you ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Six Star Automotive | PONDERAY, ID

    Automotive Technician

    Six Star Automotive | PONDERAY, ID

    Six Star Automotive, a specialty Subaru and Japanese repair shop in Colorado Springs, seeks a skilled Automotive Technician. In this 4-day workweek role, y... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Love's Travel Stops | SIOUX FALLS, SD

    Tire Technician

    Love's Travel Stops | SIOUX FALLS, SD

    As a Tire Technician at Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional tire services to our cu... more

    1 Day Ago

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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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