Creative & Education Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Animator Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median animator salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
$-1,576
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $1,576 below the Virginia state average of $81,942. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $138,720 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level animator earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $80,366
75th Percentile $107,100
90th Percentile $138,720

Animator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Animator in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open animator positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Animator make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median animator salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $138,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Virginia Beach earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for animator pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median animator salary of $80,366 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $81,942. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most animator positions in Virginia Beach 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.