Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Animator Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median animator salary in Boston, MA is $119,761 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$119,761
vs State Avg
+$13,394
vs National
+$40,971
Cost of Living
152%

Animator Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median animator salary of $119,761, which is $13,394 above the Massachusetts state average of $106,367. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $119,761 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Boston spans from $69,920 at the 10th percentile to $206,720 at the 90th percentile — a $136,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,600. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level animator earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
+$41,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,600
+$67,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $119,761
75th Percentile $159,600
90th Percentile $206,720

Animator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$126,064
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$86,669
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$82,730
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$77,214
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Animator in Boston

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Boston

Browse open animator positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Boston

How much does a Animator make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median animator salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $119,761 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $206,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,761, a animator in Boston earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for animator pay? ▼
Boston's median animator salary of $119,761 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $106,367. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $119,761 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Boston? ▼
Most animator positions in Boston 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.