Creative & Education Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Animator Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median animator salary in Paterson, NJ is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$82,730
vs State Avg
$-7,879
vs National
+$3,940
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median animator salary of $82,730, which is $7,879 below the New Jersey state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $142,800 at the 90th percentile — a $94,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level animator earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,000
+$4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $82,730
75th Percentile $110,250
90th Percentile $142,800

Animator Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Animator in Paterson

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Paterson

Browse open animator positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Paterson

How much does a Animator make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median animator salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $142,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in Paterson earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for animator pay? ▼
Paterson's median animator salary of $82,730 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $82,730 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Paterson? ▼
Most animator positions in Paterson 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.