2D Animator Hourly Rates

When it comes to bringing animations to life, hiring a skilled 2D animator is crucial. Understanding the typical hourly rates for 2D animators can help you budget your project effectively and ensure fair compensation for the artist’s expertise. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors influencing 2D animator hourly rates and provide you with a comprehensive rate guide.

Factors Influencing 2D Animator Hourly Rates:

1. Experience Level: 2D Animators with more years of experience and a strong portfolio generally command higher rates. Entry-level 2D animators may charge lower rates as they build their skills and reputation.
2. Project Complexity: Intricate character animations, detailed backgrounds, and complex visual effects can increase the hourly rate due to the greater time and effort required.
3. Deadline: Also known as a rush fee, tight deadlines often result in higher rates, as animators may need to prioritise the project and dedicate additional hours to meet the client’s timeline. Rush jobs typically incur premium rates.
4. Project Duration: Longer projects may attract lower hourly rates, while shorter, more intense projects often demand higher rates.
5. Location: Hourly rates can vary based on the animator’s location and the cost of living in that area. Animators working in major metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher may charge more compared to those in smaller towns or countries with a lower cost of living.
6. Software Proficiency: Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint Animation can influence hourly rates. Animators adept in specialised software may command higher rates due to their expertise.

2D Animator Hourly Rates

Here’s a table outlining typical hourly rates for 2D animators based on experience level and location:

It’s important to note that these rates are approximate and can vary depending on the specific project requirements, deadlines, and the animator’s level of expertise.

2D Animation Cost Per Minute

While hourly rates provide a good baseline, it’s often more practical to estimate the cost of 2D animation per minute of finished animation. This metric considers the time required for various stages of the animation process, including storyboarding, character design, keyframing, in-betweening, colouring, and compositing.

On average, a single minute of high-quality 2D animation can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and the studio or freelancer’s rates. Simple animations with limited character movements and straightforward backgrounds may fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while intricate character animations with detailed backgrounds and visual effects can easily reach the higher end.

​​Calculating the Cost of 2D Animation Projects

While hourly rates provide a general idea of animator compensation, clients often seek to determine the overall cost of their animation project. To calculate the cost, it’s essential to consider the estimated number of hours required to complete the project and multiply it by the animator’s hourly rate.

For example, let’s consider a scenario where a company plans to launch a new product and wishes to create a 2D animated promotional video. If the animator’s hourly rate is $50, and it’s estimated to take 40 hours to complete the project, the cost would be:

40 hours * $50/hour = $2000

This calculation offers a baseline estimate for the project cost. However, it’s crucial to discuss project specifics with the animator to obtain a more precise quote.

In conclusion, understanding hourly rates and the factors that influence them is crucial when hiring a 2D animator. By considering the animator’s experience, project complexity, location, and the specific requirements of your project, you can ensure fair compensation for the artist’s skills and expertise while maintaining a realistic budget.

If you’d like any extra help, here are a few other articles we’ve written on the topic:

• Find out what makes a good animation brief 
• Learn more about the freelance animation rates
• How to write the perfect 2D animator job description