Animator Salary in Honolulu, HI: $137,883 (2026)

Animator Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median animator salary of $137,883, which is $3,940 above the Hawaii state average of $133,943. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $137,883 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Honolulu spans from $80,500 at the 10th percentile to $238,000 at the 90th percentile — a $157,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,000, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $227,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level animator earns around $84,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $227,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$84,000

+$36,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$140,000

+$60,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$227,500

+$97,500 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$80,500	$78,200	$46,000
25th Percentile	$105,000	$102,000	$60,000
Median (50th)	$137,883	$133,943	$78,790
75th Percentile	$183,750	$178,500	$105,000
90th Percentile	$238,000	$231,200	$136,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$80,500

25th Percentile

$105,000

Median (50th)

$137,883

75th Percentile

$183,750

90th Percentile

$238,000

How to Become a Animator in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Animator make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median animator salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $137,883 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $80,500 (10th percentile) to $238,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Animator make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $137,883, a animator in Honolulu earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for animator pay? ▼

Honolulu's median animator salary of $137,883 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $133,943. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $137,883 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Honolulu? ▼

Most animator positions in Honolulu 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.

Animator Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii