Creative & Education Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Animator Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median animator salary in Richmond, VA is $78,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$78,790
vs State Avg
$-3,152
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Animator Pay in Richmond: What to Expect (2026)

Richmond offers a median animator salary of $78,790, which is $3,152 below the Virginia state average of $81,942. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $46,000 at the 10th percentile to $136,000 at the 90th percentile — a $90,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,000, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level animator earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $60,000
Median (50th) $78,790
75th Percentile $105,000
90th Percentile $136,000

Animator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Animator in Richmond

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Richmond

Browse open animator positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Richmond

How much does a Animator make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median animator salary in Richmond, Virginia is $78,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $136,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,790, a animator in Richmond earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for animator pay? ▼
Richmond's median animator salary of $78,790 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $81,942. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $78,790 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Richmond? ▼
Most animator positions in Richmond 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.