Creative & Education Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Animator Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median animator salary in Bellevue, WA is $119,761 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$119,761
vs State Avg
+$29,152
vs National
+$40,971
Cost of Living
152%

Animator Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median animator salary of $119,761, which is $29,152 above the Washington state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $119,761 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Bellevue spans from $69,920 at the 10th percentile to $206,720 at the 90th percentile — a $136,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,600. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level animator earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
+$41,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,600
+$67,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $119,761
75th Percentile $159,600
90th Percentile $206,720

Animator Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$116,609
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$86,669
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$80,366
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$72,487
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Animator in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open animator positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Animator make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median animator salary in Bellevue, Washington is $119,761 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $206,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,761, a animator in Bellevue earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for animator pay? ▼
Bellevue's median animator salary of $119,761 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $119,761 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Bellevue? ▼
Most animator positions in Bellevue 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.