Creative & Education Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Animator Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median animator salary in Kailua, HI is $133,943 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$133,943
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$55,153
Cost of Living
170%

Animator Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)

Kailua offers a median animator salary of $133,943, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $133,943. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $133,943 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Kailua spans from $78,200 at the 10th percentile to $231,200 at the 90th percentile — a $153,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $221,000. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level animator earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $221,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
+$33,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,000
+$56,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$221,000
+$91,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $78,200
25th Percentile $102,000
Median (50th) $133,943
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $231,200

Animator Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$137,883
Pop. 350,964
Pearl City, HI
$132,367
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$127,640
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$119,761
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Animator in Kailua

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Kailua

Browse open animator positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Kailua

How much does a Animator make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median animator salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $133,943 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $78,200 (10th percentile) to $231,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,943, a animator in Kailua earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for animator pay? ▼
Kailua's median animator salary of $133,943 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $133,943. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $133,943 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Kailua? ▼
Most animator positions in Kailua 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.