Creative & Education Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Animator Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median animator salary in Parkersburg, WV is $63,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$63,032
vs State Avg
$-3,152
vs National
$-15,758
Cost of Living
80%

Animator Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median animator salary of $63,032, which is $3,152 below the West Virginia state average of $66,184. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $63,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Parkersburg spans from $36,800 at the 10th percentile to $108,800 at the 90th percentile — a $72,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level animator earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
$-9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
$-16,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,000
$-26,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $48,000
Median (50th) $63,032
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $108,800

Animator Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$70,911
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$69,335
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$64,608
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$61,456
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Animator in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open animator positions in Parkersburg, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Animator make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median animator salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $63,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $108,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,032, a animator in Parkersburg earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for animator pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median animator salary of $63,032 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $66,184. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $63,032 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Parkersburg? ▼
Most animator positions in Parkersburg 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.