Animator Salary
in Durham, NC
Create animated content for films, games, apps, and advertising. Median salary in Durham: $72K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Durham
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Durham, North Carolina.
Key facts for Durham
Salary forecast: Durham Animator to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $72K by 2030.
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Animator Salary in Durham, North Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Animator salary in Durham, NC is $72,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Durham–NC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Animator in Durham
Entry-level Animators in Durham with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $52,000 and $72,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $72,000 to $98,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $98,000 to $135,000 or more.
Cost of living in Durham for Animators
Durham has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Durham are close to the national average. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Animator
Bachelor's in Animation, Fine Arts, or CS. This role is 62% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Durham-based professionals.