Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Animator Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median animator salary in Charleston, SC is $78,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$78,790
vs State Avg
+$8,667
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Animator Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median animator salary of $78,790, which is $8,667 above the South Carolina state average of $70,123. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $46,000 at the 10th percentile to $136,000 at the 90th percentile — a $90,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,000, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level animator earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $60,000
Median (50th) $78,790
75th Percentile $105,000
90th Percentile $136,000

Animator Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Animator in Charleston

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Charleston

Browse open animator positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Charleston

How much does a Animator make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median animator salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $78,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $136,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,790, a animator in Charleston earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for animator pay? ▼
Charleston's median animator salary of $78,790 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $70,123. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $78,790 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Charleston? ▼
Most animator positions in Charleston 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.