Creative & Education Albany, NY Pop. 99,224

Animator Salary in Albany, New York

The median animator salary in Albany, NY is $77,214 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 19.7% below the New York state average.

City Median
$77,214
vs State Avg
$-18,910
vs National
$-1,576
Cost of Living
98%

Animator Pay in Albany: What to Expect (2026)

Albany offers a median animator salary of $77,214, which is $18,910 below the New York state average of $96,124. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Albany pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albany's cost of living is 98% 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 Albany spans from $45,080 at the 10th percentile to $133,280 at the 90th percentile — a $88,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,400. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Albany by Experience

In Albany, an entry-level animator earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,400
$-2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albany, NY

Percentile Albany
10th Percentile $45,080
25th Percentile $58,800
Median (50th) $77,214
75th Percentile $102,900
90th Percentile $133,280

Animator Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Animator in Albany

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Albany

Browse open animator positions in Albany, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Albany

How much does a Animator make in Albany, NY? ▼
The median animator salary in Albany, New York is $77,214 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $45,080 (10th percentile) to $133,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Albany? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,214, a animator in Albany earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albany compare to the New York state average for animator pay? ▼
Albany's median animator salary of $77,214 is 19.7% below the New York state average of $96,124. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albany, NY? ▼
Albany has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $77,214 in Albany has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Albany? ▼
Most animator positions in Albany 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.