Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary in the United States
Based on 16K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$78,841
$37.90/hr
▲ 2.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$54K – $125K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
16K
workers nationwide
The Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in the United States shows a median annual earning of $78,841, which translates to approximately $38 per hour. This figure represents a broad spectrum of professionals creating visual content across various media platforms, with a significant number of these roles contributing to the nation's digital and entertainment industries.
Several factors influence how much a Multimedia Artist and Animator can earn. Experience level, geographical location, the size and type of employer, and the complexity of projects undertaken all play a role. Specialized skills in 3D modeling, motion graphics, or specific software can also command higher compensation within the Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in the United States landscape.
Salary Distribution — Multimedia Artist and Animator
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,670 |
| 25th percentile | $63,322 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,841 |
| 75th percentile | $100,891 |
| 90th percentile | $124,641 |
Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Multimedia Artist and Animator
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $133,480 | +69.3% | 1K |
| 2 | California | $130,540 | +65.6% | 7K |
| 3 | Nevada | $97,350 | +23.5% | 370 |
| 4 | New York | $96,770 | +22.7% | 2K |
| 5 | Colorado | $91,290 | +15.8% | 210 |
| 6 | Arizona | $89,650 | +13.7% | 190 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $88,350 | +12.1% | 370 |
| 8 | Utah | $88,210 | +11.9% | 320 |
| 9 | Michigan | $86,630 | +9.9% | 230 |
| 10 | Florida | $85,870 | +8.9% | 2K |
Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary by Industry
How much Multimedia Artist and Animators earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($106,480 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $106,480 | +35.1% | 390 |
| 2 | Information | $106,430 | +35.0% | 11K |
| 3 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | +31.9% | 2K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $97,300 | +23.4% | 30 |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $93,350 | +18.4% | 5K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $92,580 | +17.4% | 580 |
| 7 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $81,710 | +3.6% | 30 |
| 8 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,940 | -2.4% | 110 |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | $75,030 | -4.8% | 310 |
| 10 | Educational Services | $64,230 | -18.5% | 540 |
| 11 | Retail Trade | $62,070 | -21.3% | — |
| 12 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $45,770 | -41.9% | 40 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Multimedia Artist and Animator
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Multimedia Artist and Animator roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple | $147,400 | 13 |
| 2 | Tt Commerce & Global Services | $216,250 | 10 |
| 3 | Microsoft | $181,274 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Multimedia Artist and Animator
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,715 |
| 2023 | $73,605 |
| 2024 | $76,617 |
| 2025 | $78,841 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,130 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,322 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,841 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,891 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,641 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in the US?
- The median Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in the United States is $78,841 per year, or about $38 per hour. This median figure falls within a typical salary range of $53,670 to $124,641 annually.
Which states pay the most for Multimedia Artists and Animators?
- Washington is a top-paying state for Multimedia Artists and Animators, with an average salary of $133,480 per year. This indicates significant demand and compensation for these roles in certain high-cost or industry-rich regions.
What is the typical salary range for a Multimedia Artist and Animator?
- The salary range for Multimedia Artists and Animators in the US generally falls between $53,670 and $124,641 annually. The median salary of $78,841 provides a central point within this broad compensation spectrum.
How many Multimedia Artists and Animators are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 16,290 Multimedia Artists and Animators employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial industry with a consistent need for creative visual professionals.