Creative & Education Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Animator Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median animator salary in Jersey City, NJ is $100,851 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$100,851
vs State Avg
+$10,242
vs National
+$22,061
Cost of Living
128%

Animator Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median animator salary of $100,851, which is $10,242 above the New Jersey state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $100,851 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Jersey City spans from $58,880 at the 10th percentile to $174,080 at the 90th percentile — a $115,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,440, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,400. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level animator earns around $61,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,400
+$22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,400
+$36,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $58,880
25th Percentile $76,800
Median (50th) $100,851
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $174,080

Animator Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Edison, NJ
$90,609
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$88,245
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$85,093
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$82,730
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Animator in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open animator positions in Jersey City, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Animator make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median animator salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $100,851 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $58,880 (10th percentile) to $174,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,851, a animator in Jersey City earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for animator pay? ▼
Jersey City's median animator salary of $100,851 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $100,851 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Jersey City? ▼
Most animator positions in Jersey City 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.