Creative & Education San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Animator Salary in San Francisco, California

The median animator salary in San Francisco, CA is $143,398 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$143,398
vs State Avg
+$34,668
vs National
+$64,608
Cost of Living
182%

Animator Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level animator earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $236,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,360
+$39,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,600
+$65,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$236,600
+$106,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $83,720
25th Percentile $109,200
Median (50th) $143,398
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $247,520

Animator Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$132,367
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$115,033
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$111,882
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$92,972
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Animator in San Francisco

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.