Creative & Education Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Animator Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median animator salary in Newark, NJ is $88,245 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$88,245
vs State Avg
$-2,364
vs National
+$9,455
Cost of Living
112%

Animator Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median animator salary of $88,245, which is $2,364 below the New Jersey state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,245 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Newark spans from $51,520 at the 10th percentile to $152,320 at the 90th percentile — a $100,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,600. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level animator earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,600
+$15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $51,520
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $88,245
75th Percentile $117,600
90th Percentile $152,320

Animator Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Animator in Newark

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Newark

Browse open animator positions in Newark, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Newark

How much does a Animator make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median animator salary in Newark, New Jersey is $88,245 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $51,520 (10th percentile) to $152,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,245, a animator in Newark earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for animator pay? ▼
Newark's median animator salary of $88,245 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $88,245 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Newark? ▼
Most animator positions in Newark 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.