Animator Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $67,759 (2026)

Animator Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median animator salary of $67,759, which is $4,728 below the North Carolina state average of $72,487. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $67,759 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Winston-Salem spans from $39,560 at the 10th percentile to $116,960 at the 90th percentile — a $77,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,800. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level animator earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$111,800

$-18,200 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$39,560	$42,320	$46,000
25th Percentile	$51,600	$55,200	$60,000
Median (50th)	$67,759	$72,487	$78,790
75th Percentile	$90,300	$96,600	$105,000
90th Percentile	$116,960	$125,120	$136,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$39,560

25th Percentile

$51,600

Median (50th)

$67,759

75th Percentile

$90,300

90th Percentile

$116,960

How to Become a Animator in Winston-Salem

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Animator make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median animator salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $67,759 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $39,560 (10th percentile) to $116,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Animator make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,759, a animator in Winston-Salem earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for animator pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median animator salary of $67,759 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $72,487. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $67,759 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most animator positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Animator Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina