Creative & Education Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Animator Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median animator salary in Waipahu, HI is $127,640 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$127,640
vs State Avg
$-6,303
vs National
+$48,850
Cost of Living
162%

Animator Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)

Waipahu offers a median animator salary of $127,640, which is $6,303 below the Hawaii state average of $133,943. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,640 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Waipahu spans from $74,520 at the 10th percentile to $220,320 at the 90th percentile — a $145,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,760, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,600. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level animator earns around $77,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,760
+$29,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,600
+$49,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,600
+$80,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $74,520
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $127,640
75th Percentile $170,100
90th Percentile $220,320

Animator Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$137,883
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$133,943
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$132,367
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$119,761
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Animator in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open animator positions in Waipahu, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Animator make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median animator salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $127,640 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $74,520 (10th percentile) to $220,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,640, a animator in Waipahu earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for animator pay? ▼
Waipahu's median animator salary of $127,640 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $133,943. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $127,640 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Waipahu? ▼
Most animator positions in Waipahu 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.