Creative & Education Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Animator Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median animator salary in Salem, OR is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
$-6,303
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Salem offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $6,303 below the Oregon state average of $86,669. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $138,720 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level animator earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $80,366
75th Percentile $107,100
90th Percentile $138,720

Animator Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Animator in Salem

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Salem

Browse open animator positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Salem

How much does a Animator make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median animator salary in Salem, Oregon is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $138,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Salem earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for animator pay? ▼
Salem's median animator salary of $80,366 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $86,669. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Salem? ▼
Most animator positions in 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.