Creative & Education South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Animator Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median animator salary in South Portland, ME is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$82,730
vs State Avg
+$5,516
vs National
+$3,940
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Pay in South Portland: What to Expect (2026)

South Portland offers a median animator salary of $82,730, which is $5,516 above the Maine state average of $77,214. Compared to the national median of $78,790, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for animators in South Portland spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $142,800 at the 90th percentile — a $94,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level animator earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,000
+$4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $82,730
75th Percentile $110,250
90th Percentile $142,800

Animator Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$85,093
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$72,487
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$70,911
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$70,123
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Animator in South Portland

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in South Portland

Browse open animator positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in South Portland

How much does a Animator make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median animator salary in South Portland, Maine is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $142,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in South Portland earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for animator pay? ▼
South Portland's median animator salary of $82,730 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $77,214. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $82,730 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in South Portland? ▼
Most animator positions in South Portland 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.