Creative & Education Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Animator Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median animator salary in Arlington, VA is $104,003 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$104,003
vs State Avg
+$22,061
vs National
+$25,213
Cost of Living
132%

Animator Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median animator salary of $104,003, which is $22,061 above the Virginia state average of $81,942. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $104,003 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Arlington spans from $60,720 at the 10th percentile to $179,520 at the 90th percentile — a $118,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,360, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,600. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level animator earns around $63,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,360
+$15,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,600
+$25,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,600
+$41,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $60,720
25th Percentile $79,200
Median (50th) $104,003
75th Percentile $138,600
90th Percentile $179,520

Animator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$80,366
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$78,790
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$77,214
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$75,638
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Animator in Arlington

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Arlington

Browse open animator positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Arlington

How much does a Animator make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median animator salary in Arlington, Virginia is $104,003 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $60,720 (10th percentile) to $179,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,003, a animator in Arlington earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for animator pay? ▼
Arlington's median animator salary of $104,003 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $81,942. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $104,003 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Arlington? ▼
Most animator positions in Arlington 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.