Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Animator Salary in Rhode Island

The median animator salary in Rhode Island is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$82,730
vs National
+$3,940
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for animator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $82,730 per year, animators in Rhode Island earn $3,940 more than the national median of $78,790.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning animator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $48,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $142,800 — a $94,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $85,093.

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for animators across the country.

Animator Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level animator earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,000
+$4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$6,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $82,730
75th Percentile $110,250
90th Percentile $142,800

Animator Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for animators in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Rhode Island

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Rhode Island has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Rhode Island's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Animator make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median animator salary in Rhode Island is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $142,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in Rhode Island earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for animators? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $50,400, while senior professionals earn $136,500.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Rhode Island's median of $82,730 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($82,730) and New Hampshire ($82,730).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level animator in Rhode Island earns approximately $50,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $136,500.
What city in Rhode Island pays animators the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for animators, with a median salary of $85,093. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.