CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level 3D Animator Salary in Los Angeles

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$56,990/yr

Typical range: $53,650 $69,258

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

3D Animator Salary Progression in Los Angeles

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$56,990$4,749
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$73,536$6,128+29%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$85,792$7,149+51%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$97,068$8,089+70%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$117,658$9,805+106%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$133,836$11,153+135%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$137,880$11,490+142%
Current Salary
$56,990
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$73,536
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level 3D Animator salary in Los Angeles, CA?

Entry Level 3D Animators in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $57K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level 3D Animator make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?

Based on $57K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior 3D Animator in Los Angeles, CA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior 3D Animator in Los Angeles, CA earns $122K–$157K/yr.