Creative & Education Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Animator Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median animator salary in Chattanooga, TN is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-788
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $788 below the Tennessee state average of $70,123. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Chattanooga 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. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN

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

Animator Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$78,790
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$72,487
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$69,335
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$67,759
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Animator in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open animator positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Animator make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median animator salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee 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 Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Chattanooga earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for animator pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median animator salary of $69,335 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $70,123. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Chattanooga? ▼
Most animator positions in Chattanooga 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.