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Associate Animator Salary in California

How much does an Associate Animator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Animator in California is $67,320 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,473
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,299 to $76,822
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,817
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Animator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Animator Salaries

An Associate Animator'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 Associate Animator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Animator'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): $59,365
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $65,340
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $79,223
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $87,710
  • Expert (over 8 years): $105,757
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAD Support Technician I less than 1 year $59,365
Associate Animator 1-2 years $65,340
CAD Support Technician III 2-4 years $79,223
CAD Support Technician IV 5-8 years $87,710
CAD Supervisor over 8 years $105,757

How Do Associate Animator 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 Associate Animators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $67,576.
  • California: $67,320.
  • Massachusetts: $66,422.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Animator

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: $67,436
  • West Hollywood: $67,387
  • Dodgertown: $67,435

Associate Animator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Animator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Associate Animator positions in MFG Durable or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Animator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Animator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $94,247 $45.0 40%
Energy & Utilities $87,516 $42.0 30%
Business Services $84,150 $40.0 25%
Aerospace & Defense $80,784 $39.0 20%
Telecom $79,437 $38.0 18%

Associate Animator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Animator'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 August 01, 2026
$61,299
Average $67,320/year
$76,822
$5,108
Average $5,610/month
$6,402
$1,179
Average $1,295/week
$1,477
$29
Average $32/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,822 $6,402 $1,477 $37
Average $67,320 $5,610 $1,295 $32
25th Percentile $61,299 $5,108 $1,179 $29

Find Your Next Associate Animator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Animator 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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