Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Animator Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median animator salary in Lafayette, LA is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-2,364
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $2,364 below the Louisiana state average of $71,699. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,335 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Lafayette spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $119,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level animator earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $69,335
75th Percentile $92,400
90th Percentile $119,680

Animator Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$77,214
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$72,487
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$67,759
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$66,972
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Animator in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open animator positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Animator make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median animator salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $119,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Lafayette earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for animator pay? ▼
Lafayette's median animator salary of $69,335 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $71,699. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Lafayette? ▼
Most animator positions in Lafayette 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.