Creative & Education Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Animator Salary in Austin, Texas

The median animator salary in Austin, TX is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$82,730
vs State Avg
+$10,243
vs National
+$3,940
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median animator salary of $82,730, which is $10,243 above the Texas state average of $72,487. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $142,800 at the 90th percentile — a $94,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level animator earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

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

Animator Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Animator in Austin

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Austin

Browse open animator positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Austin

How much does a Animator make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median animator salary in Austin, Texas 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 Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in Austin earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for animator pay? ▼
Austin's median animator salary of $82,730 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $72,487. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $82,730 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Austin? ▼
Most animator positions in Austin 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.