Creative & Education Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Animator Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median animator salary in Albuquerque, NM is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$74,851
vs State Avg
+$1,576
vs National
$-3,939
Cost of Living
95%

Animator Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median animator salary of $74,851, which is $1,576 above the New Mexico state average of $73,275. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $43,700 at the 10th percentile to $129,200 at the 90th percentile — a $85,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level animator earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $43,700
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $74,851
75th Percentile $99,750
90th Percentile $129,200

Animator Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$86,669
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$72,487
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$69,335
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$64,608
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Animator in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open animator positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Animator make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median animator salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $43,700 (10th percentile) to $129,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,851, a animator in Albuquerque earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for animator pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median animator salary of $74,851 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $73,275. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $74,851 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Albuquerque? ▼
Most animator positions in Albuquerque 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.