Creative & Education Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Animator Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median animator salary in Seattle, WA is $116,609 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$116,609
vs State Avg
+$26,000
vs National
+$37,819
Cost of Living
148%

Animator Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median animator salary of $116,609, which is $26,000 above the Washington state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $116,609 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Seattle spans from $68,080 at the 10th percentile to $201,280 at the 90th percentile — a $133,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,040, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,400. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level animator earns around $71,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,040
+$23,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,400
+$38,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,400
+$62,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $68,080
25th Percentile $88,800
Median (50th) $116,609
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $201,280

Animator Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$119,761
Pop. 151,854
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 Seattle

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Seattle

Browse open animator positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Seattle

How much does a Animator make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median animator salary in Seattle, Washington is $116,609 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $68,080 (10th percentile) to $201,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,609, a animator in Seattle earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for animator pay? ▼
Seattle's median animator salary of $116,609 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $116,609 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Seattle? ▼
Most animator positions in Seattle 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.