Creative & Education Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Animator Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median animator salary in Tacoma, WA is $86,669 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$86,669
vs State Avg
$-3,940
vs National
+$7,879
Cost of Living
110%

Animator Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median animator salary of $86,669, which is $3,940 below the Washington state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $50,600 at the 10th percentile to $149,600 at the 90th percentile — a $99,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,000. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level animator earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,000
+$8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,000
+$13,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $50,600
25th Percentile $66,000
Median (50th) $86,669
75th Percentile $115,500
90th Percentile $149,600

Animator Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Animator in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open animator positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Animator make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median animator salary in Tacoma, Washington is $86,669 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $50,600 (10th percentile) to $149,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,669, a animator in Tacoma earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for animator pay? ▼
Tacoma's median animator salary of $86,669 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $86,669 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Tacoma? ▼
Most animator positions in Tacoma 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.