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Average Animator Salary In Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U ... The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U ... The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is ...

Adjunct Faculty in Animation Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be posted ... The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not ...

Senior Front-end Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $115K/yr

Background in design or motion * Experience with animation libraries like GSAP or Framer Motion ... We offer a competitive salary in the range of $85,000 - $115,000 for this role based on ...

The Company has converted several contract attorneys to permanent in-house attorneys recently, with salaries in the mid $200K+ range and bonuses that put the average salary in the $300K range. When ...

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Salary Information: Salary depends upon workload. Department: School of BAA_Applied Arts Madison ... To instruct adult students in Animation - Concept Development at the vocational, associate degree ...

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Average Animator Salary In information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do average animator salary in jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for average animator salary in in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do animators make good money?

Animator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the animation field is generally competitive with other creative professions. Entry-level animators often earn lower wages, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn higher salaries, especially with strong skills in software like Adobe After Effects or Maya. Overall, animation can provide a stable income, but earnings depend on skill level and the complexity of projects handled.

What is the difference between Average Animator Salary In vs Graphic Designer?

Job TitleAverage SalaryRequired CredentialsWork Environment
Animator$65,000Bachelor's in Animation or related fieldStudios, production houses, freelance
Graphic Designer$50,000Bachelor's in Graphic Design or related fieldDesign agencies, corporate offices, freelance

The average animator salary is generally higher than that of graphic designers due to specialized skills in animation software and multimedia production. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in creative environments, but animators tend to earn more on average because of the technical expertise needed for animation projects.

Is 25 too late to learn animation?

Animator careers can be pursued at any age, and many successful professionals start learning animation in their mid-20s or later. Developing skills in software like Adobe Animate or Blender, along with building a portfolio, is essential regardless of age, and continuous learning can lead to opportunities in the industry.

Do animators make 6 figures?

Most animators do not make six-figure salaries; entry-level positions typically pay less, while experienced senior animators or those working in high-paying industries or locations can earn six figures. Achieving a six-figure income often requires advanced skills, a strong portfolio, and years of experience in the field.

How much does a 2 minute animated video cost?

The cost of a 2-minute animated video varies based on complexity, style, and the animator's experience, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Skilled animators with experience in software like Adobe After Effects or Toon Boom may charge higher rates, especially for detailed or custom animations.
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What cities are hiring for Average Animator Salary In jobs? Cities with the most Average Animator Salary In job openings:
What states have the most Average Animator Salary In jobs? States with the most job openings for Average Animator Salary In jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Average Animator Salary In jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Average Animator Salary In jobs are:
Infographic showing various Average Animator Salary In job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Senior Social Editor & Animator

Senior Social Editor & Animator

Hearst

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

$88K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 65 rated media


Job description

Be Part of What's Next 

Are you obsessed with the intersection of creativity, motion design, and what's trending on TikTok? We're looking for a Senior Social Editor & Animator to help shape the future of how branded stories live and thrive across social platforms. From AI-enhanced storytelling to scroll-stopping animations, this role is at the cutting edge of editorial creativity and performance.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines' portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.-including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper's BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics - inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world-and together, we are shaping what's next.

Key Responsibilities (What You're Doing)

  • Edit and design social-first branded content including Reels, Stories, Shorts, interactive assets, and vertical video variations.
  • Transform single content pieces into optimized assets for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and more.
  • Animate graphics with impact using kinetic typography, motion overlays, and dynamic treatments tailored to platform trends.
  • Convert still images into engaging motion content through AI tools, motion design, and inventive storytelling.
  • Repurpose long-form video into short-form, snackable content that performs across social channels.
  • Collaborate with producers, directors, and creatives to develop fresh visual narratives aligned with brand and client goals.
  • Experiment with stop-motion, mixed media, lo-fi effects, and emerging formats to keep content cutting-edge.
  • Integrate AI tools like Runway to enhance workflows and elevate creative output.
  • Deliver high-quality, polished assets under tight deadlines while maintaining creative excellence.

Qualifications (What We're Looking For)

  • 3-5 years of social-first editing and animation experience in a brand studio, publisher, agency, or digital-first content environment.
  • Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • Proficiency with emerging creator-native tools such as CapCut, Edits, DaVinci Resolve, and Canva Pro.
  • Experience using AI-enhanced creative tools (e.g., RunwayML).
  • Bonus if familiar with 3D or advanced motion graphics platforms like Blender or Cinema4D.
  • Portfolio showcasing optimized content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and platform-native design styles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in transforming still images into motion content using design and AI tools.
  • Strong collaborator, highly adaptable, and able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Based in NYC with a hybrid in-office schedule (4 days/week).

What We Offer

  • Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
  • Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
  • Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
  • Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
  • Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $88,000 - $94,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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