Creative & Education San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Animator Salary in San Jose, California

The median animator salary in San Jose, CA is $132,367 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$132,367
vs State Avg
+$23,637
vs National
+$53,577
Cost of Living
168%

Animator Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level animator earns around $80,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,640
+$32,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$54,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,400
+$88,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $77,280
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $132,367
75th Percentile $176,400
90th Percentile $228,480

Animator Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$143,398
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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