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Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Salary in California

How much does an Animator/Motion Graphic Designer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animator/Motion Graphic Designer in California is $74,564 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,359
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,449 to $86,496
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,240
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Salaries

An Animator/Motion Graphic Designer'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/Motion Graphic Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animator/Motion Graphic Designer'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): $72,078
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $88,287
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $106,999
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $146,780
  • Expert (over 8 years): $178,163
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Animator/Motion Graphic Designer less than 1 year $72,078
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $88,287
Motion Graphic Design Specialist III 2-4 years $106,999
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $146,780
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $178,163

How Do Animator/Motion Graphic Designer 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/Motion Graphic Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $74,848.
  • California: $74,564.
  • Massachusetts: $73,570.

Top Paying Cities for Animator/Motion Graphic Designer

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: $74,692
  • West Hollywood: $74,638
  • Dodgertown: $74,692

Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animator/Motion Graphic Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Animator/Motion Graphic Designer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animator/Motion Graphic Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animator/Motion Graphic Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $104,389 $50.0 40%
Software & Networking $100,661 $48.0 35%
Financial Services $96,933 $47.0 30%
Biotechnology $93,205 $45.0 25%
Internet $89,477 $43.0 20%

Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Animator/Motion Graphic Designer'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
$64,449
Average $74,564/year
$86,496
$5,371
Average $6,214/month
$7,208
$1,239
Average $1,434/week
$1,663
$31
Average $36/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,496 $7,208 $1,663 $42
Average $74,564 $6,214 $1,434 $36
25th Percentile $64,449 $5,371 $1,239 $31

Find Your Next Animator/Motion Graphic Designer Job

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

  • YOUNG LA TRADING CO LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Graphic Designer

    YOUNG LA TRADING CO LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Graphic Designer, YoungLA. Location: Northridge, CA. All applications must include a link to your portfolio showcasing re... more

    4 Days Ago

  • TP-Link Systems Inc. | Irvine, CA

    Graphic Designer

    TP-Link Systems Inc. | Irvine, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About Us: .  . Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devic... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Image 360 | Palm Desert, CA

    Graphic Designer

    Image 360 | Palm Desert, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking for a great opportunity to join a growing team. If so, we are looking for talented, creative, and detail-... more

    5 Days Ago

  • cabi, LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Graphic Designer

    cabi, LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. At Cabi, we're redefining what it means to build a fashion brand, one rooted in connection, confidence, and purpose. As a... more

    5 Days Ago

  • K-1 Speed Inc | Irvine, CA

    Graphic Designer

    K-1 Speed Inc | Irvine, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. We have an immediate opening for an experienced graphic designer / Illustrator in our Marketing Department.  . K1 Speed i... more

    5 Days Ago

  • cabi, LLC | Long Beach, CA

    Graphic Designer

    cabi, LLC | Long Beach, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. At Cabi, we're redefining what it means to build a fashion brand, one rooted in connection, confidence, and purpose. As a... more

    5 Days 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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