Creative & Education Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Animator Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median animator salary in Philadelphia, PA is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
+$4,728
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $4,728 above the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

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

Animator Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$74,063
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$73,275
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$69,335
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$66,184
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Animator in Philadelphia

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open animator positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Animator make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median animator salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Philadelphia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for animator pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median animator salary of $80,366 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Philadelphia? ▼
Most animator positions in Philadelphia 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.