Creative & Education Texas (TX) Rank #30 of 50

Animator Salary in Texas

The median animator salary in Texas is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$72,487
vs National
$-6,303
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Animator Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Animator salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,487 per year, animators in Texas earn $6,303 less than the national median of $78,790.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $72,487 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $42,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $125,120 — a $82,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, 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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level animator earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,600
$-10,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $42,320
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $72,487
75th Percentile $96,600
90th Percentile $125,120

Animator Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for animators in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Texas

How much does a Animator make in Texas? ▼
The median animator salary in Texas is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $42,320 (10th percentile) to $125,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,487, a animator in Texas earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for animators? ▼
Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $44,160, while senior professionals earn $119,600.
How does Texas compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Texas's median of $72,487 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($73,275) and North Carolina ($72,487).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level animator in Texas earns approximately $44,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $119,600.
What city in Texas pays animators the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for animators, with a median salary of $82,730. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.