Creative & Education Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Animator Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median animator salary in Norfolk, VA is $75,638 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$75,638
vs State Avg
$-6,304
vs National
$-3,152
Cost of Living
96%

Animator Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)

Norfolk offers a median animator salary of $75,638, which is $6,304 below the Virginia state average of $81,942. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $130,560 at the 90th percentile — a $86,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,080, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level animator earns around $46,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
$-5,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $75,638
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $130,560

Animator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Animator in Norfolk

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Norfolk 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 Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open animator positions in Norfolk, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Animator make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median animator salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $75,638 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $130,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,638, a animator in Norfolk earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for animator pay? ▼
Norfolk's median animator salary of $75,638 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $81,942. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $75,638 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Norfolk? ▼
Most animator positions in Norfolk 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.