Creative & Education Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Animator Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median animator salary in Vancouver, WA is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
$-10,243
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Vancouver: What to Expect (2026)

Vancouver offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $10,243 below the Washington state average of $90,609. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA

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

Animator Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Animator in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open animator positions in Vancouver, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Animator make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median animator salary in Vancouver, Washington 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 Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Vancouver earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for animator pay? ▼
Vancouver's median animator salary of $80,366 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $90,609. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Vancouver? ▼
Most animator positions in Vancouver 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.