Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Animator Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median animator salary in Cambridge, MA is $126,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$126,064
vs State Avg
+$19,697
vs National
+$47,274
Cost of Living
160%

Animator Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median animator salary of $126,064, which is $19,697 above the Massachusetts state average of $106,367. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $126,064 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Cambridge spans from $73,600 at the 10th percentile to $217,600 at the 90th percentile — a $144,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,800, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $208,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level animator earns around $76,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $208,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,800
+$28,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$48,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$208,000
+$78,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $73,600
25th Percentile $96,000
Median (50th) $126,064
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $217,600

Animator Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$119,761
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open animator positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Animator make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median animator salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $126,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $73,600 (10th percentile) to $217,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,064, a animator in Cambridge earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for animator pay? ▼
Cambridge's median animator salary of $126,064 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $106,367. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $126,064 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Cambridge? ▼
Most animator positions in Cambridge 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.