Creative & Education Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Animator Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median animator salary in Erie, PA is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$66,184
vs State Avg
$-9,454
vs National
$-12,606
Cost of Living
84%

Animator Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median animator salary of $66,184, which is $9,454 below the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $66,184 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Erie spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level animator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,184
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $114,240

Animator Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Animator in Erie

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Erie

Browse open animator positions in Erie, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Erie

How much does a Animator make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median animator salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Erie earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for animator pay? ▼
Erie's median animator salary of $66,184 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,184 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Erie? ▼
Most animator positions in Erie 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.