Creative & Education Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Animator Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median animator salary in Reading, PA is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-6,303
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $6,303 below the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,335 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Reading spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $119,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level animator earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $69,335
75th Percentile $92,400
90th Percentile $119,680

Animator Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$80,366
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$74,063
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$73,275
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$66,184
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Animator in Reading

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Reading

Browse open animator positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Reading

How much does a Animator make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median animator salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $119,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Reading earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for animator pay? ▼
Reading's median animator salary of $69,335 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $75,638. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Reading? ▼
Most animator positions in Reading 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.