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Animator/Illustrator Salary in California

How much does an Animator/Illustrator make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animator/Illustrator in California is $67,272 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, an Animator/Illustrator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,290
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,881 to $75,657
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,152
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Animator/Illustrator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Animator/Illustrator Salaries

An Animator/Illustrator'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 Animator/Illustrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animator/Illustrator'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): $56,393
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $65,526
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $77,370
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $84,340
  • Expert (over 8 years): $95,799
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
HR Service Center Representative I less than 1 year $56,393
Animator/Illustrator 1-2 years $65,526
HR Service Center Representative III 2-4 years $77,370
HR Service Center Supervisor 5-8 years $84,340
HR Service Center Senior Supervisor over 8 years $95,799

How Do Animator/Illustrator 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 Animator/Illustrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $67,529.
  • California: $67,272.
  • Massachusetts: $66,376.

Top Paying Cities for Animator/Illustrator

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: $67,388
  • West Hollywood: $67,340
  • Dodgertown: $67,388

Animator/Illustrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animator/Illustrator 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 Financial Services and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Animator/Illustrator positions in Energy & Utilities or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animator/Illustrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animator/Illustrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $80,727 $39.0 20%
Chemicals $77,363 $37.0 15%
Transportation $76,691 $37.0 14%
MFG Durable $75,345 $36.0 12%
Biotechnology $74,000 $36.0 10%

Animator/Illustrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Animator/Illustrator'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
$59,881
Average $67,272/year
$75,657
$4,990
Average $5,606/month
$6,305
$1,152
Average $1,294/week
$1,455
$29
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,657 $6,305 $1,455 $36
Average $67,272 $5,606 $1,294 $32
25th Percentile $59,881 $4,990 $1,152 $29

Find Your Next Animator/Illustrator Job

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

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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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