Creative & Education Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Animator Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median animator salary in Baltimore, MD is $85,093 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$85,093
vs State Avg
$-1,576
vs National
+$6,303
Cost of Living
108%

Animator Pay in Baltimore: What to Expect (2026)

Baltimore offers a median animator salary of $85,093, which is $1,576 below the Maryland state average of $86,669. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% 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 Baltimore spans from $49,680 at the 10th percentile to $146,880 at the 90th percentile — a $97,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,840, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,400. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level animator earns around $51,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,840
+$3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
+$6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,400
+$10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $49,680
25th Percentile $64,800
Median (50th) $85,093
75th Percentile $113,400
90th Percentile $146,880

Animator Salary in Other Maryland Cities

How to Become a Animator in Baltimore

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open animator positions in Baltimore, MD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Animator make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median animator salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $85,093 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $49,680 (10th percentile) to $146,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,093, a animator in Baltimore earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for animator pay? ▼
Baltimore's median animator salary of $85,093 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $86,669. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $85,093 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Baltimore? ▼
Most animator positions in Baltimore 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.