Creative & Education South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Animator Salary in South Carolina

The median animator salary in South Carolina is $70,123 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$70,123
vs National
$-8,667
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Animator Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Animator salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,123 per year, animators in South Carolina earn $8,667 less than the national median of $78,790.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $70,123 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $40,940, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $121,040 — a $80,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $82,730.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level animator earns around $42,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,700 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,700
$-14,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $40,940
25th Percentile $53,400
Median (50th) $70,123
75th Percentile $93,450
90th Percentile $121,040

Animator Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for animators in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Animator make in South Carolina? ▼
The median animator salary in South Carolina is $70,123 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,940 (10th percentile) to $121,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,123, a animator in South Carolina earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for animators? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $42,720, while senior professionals earn $115,700.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. South Carolina's median of $70,123 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($70,911) and Iowa ($70,123).
What is the entry-level animator salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level animator in South Carolina earns approximately $42,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,700.
What city in South Carolina pays animators the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for animators, with a median salary of $82,730. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.