Creative & Education Chandler, AZ Pop. 275,987

Animator Salary in Chandler, Arizona

The median animator salary in Chandler, AZ is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
+$3,940
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Chandler: What to Expect (2026)

Chandler offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $3,940 above the Arizona state average of $76,426. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Chandler pays above average for this role.

Chandler's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for animators in Chandler spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $138,720 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. With a population of 275,987, Chandler is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Chandler by Experience

In Chandler, an entry-level animator earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chandler, AZ

Percentile Chandler
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $80,366
75th Percentile $107,100
90th Percentile $138,720

Animator Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Animator in Chandler

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Chandler and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chandler may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Chandler

Browse open animator positions in Chandler, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Chandler

How much does a Animator make in Chandler, AZ? ▼
The median animator salary in Chandler, Arizona is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $138,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Chandler? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Chandler earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chandler compare to the Arizona state average for animator pay? ▼
Chandler's median animator salary of $80,366 is 5.2% above the Arizona state average of $76,426. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chandler, AZ? ▼
Chandler has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Chandler has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Chandler? ▼
Most animator positions in Chandler require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Maya/Blender, After Effects, Character Design, Storyboarding. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.