Animator Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median animator salary in Durham, NC is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Animator Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median animator salary of $74,851, which is $2,364 above the North Carolina state average of $72,487. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham'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 Durham 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. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Animator Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,000 |
| Median (50th) | $74,851 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,200 |
Animator Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Animator in Durham
Education
Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Animator Jobs in Durham
Browse open animator positions in Durham, NC: