How Much Do 2D Animator Make?
How much do 2d animator make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for 2d animator in the arts, media & entertainment category. Learn about 2d animator pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $50,000 to $75,000.
How Much Do 2D Animator Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do 2d animator make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. 2D Animator in the Arts, Media & Entertainment field can expect to earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $50,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $75,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of 2d animator by time periods, 2d animator typically make around $6,250 per month and approximately $1,442.308 per week. The basic salary of 2d animator varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level 2d animator typically start with a base salary of $50,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $60,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $75,000.
The salary landscape for 2d animator is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do 2d animator make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,442.308 per week. How much do 2d animator make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $40,000 to $80,000, with the median salary sitting at $75,000. Additionally, many 2d animator receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do 2D Animator Get Paid Per Annum? 2D Animator Salary
Annual salary data for 2d animator across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do 2D Animator Get Paid in a Month? 2D Animator Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for 2d animator at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do 2D Animator Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for 2d animator across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
2D Animator Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for 2d animator over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
2D Animator Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for 2D Animators are typically awarded based on project completion, performance metrics, client feedback, or company profitability and success.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
A 2D Animator role may offer commission or incentive opportunities based on project success, client satisfaction, or performance bonuses, enhancing motivation and financial rewards.
Overtime
Overtime pay for 2D animators is common, especially during tight deadlines or project crunch times, reflecting the industry's demand for flexibility and dedication.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a 2D Animator include health insurance, retirement plans such as 401(k), paid time off (PTO), flexible work hours, professional development opportunities, and creative workspace environments.
2D Animator Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the 2d animator role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A 2D Animator creates engaging visual content by bringing characters and scenes to life through movement. Utilizing software and artistic skills, they design animations for films, games, and advertisements. Their role involves storytelling, collaboration with teams, and attention to detail, ensuring captivating visuals that resonate with audiences.
Primary Responsibilities
Creating character designs, Developing storyboards, Animating scenes and sequences, Collaborating with directors and other artists, Reviewing and revising animations based on feedback, Ensuring consistency in style and quality, Utilizing software tools for animation, Integrating sound effects and music, Meeting project deadlines.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A 2D animator typically sketches characters, creates storyboards, designs backgrounds, animates scenes using software, collaborates with the team for feedback, and revises animations to meet project goals and deadlines.
Work Environment
Remote or Hybrid.
2D animators typically work in studios, often collaborating with teams, using computers in a creative, deadline-driven environment.
Physical Demands
Minimal
2D Animators typically work in office settings, requiring prolonged computer use, attention to detail, and collaboration with teams. Flexibility in hours may be needed for deadlines.
2D Animator Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a 2d animator, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Animation, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Computer Animation, Multimedia Arts, Visual Effects, Illustration, Film Production.
Experience
3 years
Employers seek candidates with strong artistic skills, proficiency in animation software, a solid portfolio showcasing diverse styles, teamwork experience, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Animation, Certificate in 2D Animation, Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), Autodesk Certified User (ACU), Toon Boom Certification, Unity Certified Developer, Digital Media Production Certificate.
Required Skills
Creativity, attention to detail, storytelling ability, proficiency in animation software, understanding of movement and timing, strong drawing skills, teamwork and collaboration, adaptability.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
2D Animator Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for 2d animator from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Junior Animator, Animation Intern, 2D Animation Assistant
Early-career 2D animators create animations using digital tools, collaborating with teams to develop characters and scenes, while honing their skills in storytelling and design.
Mid-Career
Motion Graphic Designer, Visual Effects Artist, Storyboard Artist
Mid-career 2D Animators create character designs, develop storyboards, animate scenes, collaborate with teams, and ensure project deadlines are met while maintaining high-quality visuals.
Senior Management
Lead 2D Animator, Animation Director, Senior Animation Supervisor
Senior or management-level 2D Animators oversee project direction, mentor junior animators, ensure quality control, collaborate with teams, and manage timelines and budgets for animation projects.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
A typical career growth path for a 2D Animator starts with entry-level positions, advancing to senior animator roles, and potentially leading projects or teams in animation studios. Continuous skill development and networking can further enhance opportunities in the industry.
2D Animator Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for 2d animator, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased demand for animated content in digital marketing and social media, Growth of virtual and augmented reality applications requiring 2D animation skills, Expansion of remote work opportunities allowing flexibility in freelance and contract roles.
Growth Factors
Growing digital content, increased demand for animated marketing, rise of streaming platforms, and popularity of video games drive the need for skilled 2D animators.
Future Opportunities
Virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive storytelling, NFT art, mobile gaming, educational content, and social media animations are emerging niches for 2D animators.
2D Animator Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for 2d animator, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
2D Animator Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for 2d animator, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About 2D Animator Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a 2d animator, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a 2D animator?
A degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field is beneficial, along with strong drawing skills and proficiency in animation software.
How much do 2D animators get paid?
Salaries for 2D animators vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of employer, ranging from $40,000 to over $80,000 annually.
What is the average salary of a 2D animator?
The average salary for a 2D animator in the U.S. is approximately $60,000 per year.
Is formal education necessary to become a 2D animator?
While formal education can be helpful, many successful animators are self-taught or have completed online courses.
What skills are essential for a career in 2D animation?
Key skills include creativity, attention to detail, storytelling ability, and proficiency with animation software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.