How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Animator?

Animation has become an increasingly popular tool for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts. It has proven to be an effective way of communicating complex ideas and engaging with audiences. However, one of the biggest questions that businesses have is: how much does it cost to hire an animator?

In this article, we will explore the various factors that affect the cost of hiring an animator, the average cost ranges for different types of animators, the benefits and drawbacks of using in-house animators versus freelance animators or animation studios, budgeting tips for animation projects, and ways you can reduce the cost of hiring an animator without sacrificing quality.

TL;DR: How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Animator?

$500 – $100,000+ for a 60 second animated video.  You get what you pay for.

For a detailed breakdown of costs for different types of animators and animation, read on…

Examples of Videos You Can Get When You Hire Video Igniter

Video Igniter can create any kind of 2D or 3D animated video for you. Check out the demo reel below and contact us or schedule a call with our production team to start making your video.

You can also request access to our newest price sheet here.

Are you looking for an example of a different style of animation? Send us a message to let us know what kind of animation example you want to see and we will follow up with relevant production samples.

Factors That Affect How Much it Costs to Hire an Animator

Several factors affect the cost of hiring an animator. Before you hire an animator or an animation studio, it’s important to understand these details to help you make an informed decision. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of hiring an animator include:

Complexity of the Animation

The more complex the animation, the more time and effort it will take to create, resulting in higher costs. Complex animations often require a team of animators, which increases production costs.

Length of the Video

Longer videos require more animation work and more time to complete – resulting in higher production costs.

Experience of the Animator

Experienced animators command higher rates than less experienced animators. This is because they bring more skill and expertise to the animation project, resulting in higher quality animations.

Location of the Animator

Animators in different geographic locations may have different rates. For example, animators in countries with a lower cost of living may charge lower rates than animators in countries with a higher cost of living.

Deadline

Rush delivery projects and tight deadlines often result in higher costs. Animators may need to hire additional staff or work overtime to meet tight deadlines, resulting in higher production costs.

Soundtrack and VoiceOver Licensing

The cost of licensing music and voiceover talent can increase the overall cost of your project. This is especially true if you are licensing music or a voiceover for use in paid broadcast media advertisements or if you are using music from well-known artists.

Average Cost Ranges For Hiring An Animator

The cost of hiring an animator can vary widely depending on the type of animator you choose. Here are some examples of different types of animators and their average cost ranges:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Freelance Animators?

Freelance animators usually charge by the hour or by the project. Hourly rates can range from $35 to $150 per hour, while project rates can range from $500 to $10,000 or more for a 60 second project.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Stop Motion Animators?

Stop motion animation is a specialized form of animation that requires a lot of manual labor. As a result, stop motion animators tend to charge higher rates than other types of animators. Hourly rates can range from $75 to $200 per hour, while project rates can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more for videos that are a minute long.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire 2D vs. 3D Animators?

3D animators generally command higher rates than 2D animators due to the complexity of the animation. On average, 2D animators charge between $35 and $100 per hour, while 3D animators charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An In-House Animator?

The cost of hiring in-house animators will depend on their experience and location. On average, salaries for in-house animators range from $50,000 to $120,000 per year (plus benefits). Hiring in-house animators gives you more control over the animation process, but it can be more expensive in the long run.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Animation Studio?

Animation studios typically charge by the project, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more for each 60-seconds of animation they produce for you. Animation studios offer high-quality animations and have large teams of professionals who specialize in different aspects of animation. Hiring an animation studio is the most expensive way to produce a video. They’re best reserved for larger projects over 20 minutes long.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Video Igniter Animation?

VideoIgniter.com is a platform that enables businesses to create high-quality animations at an affordable price. Video Igniter’s rates start at $750 for a 30-second animation, making them a cost-effective option for businesses on a budget. VideoIgniter.com offers a range of animation services, including explainer videos, product demos, and social media content. Check out this page to access Video Igniter’s current price sheet & demo reels.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using In-House Animator vs. Freelance Animator or Animation Studio

When it comes to choosing an animator, businesses have several options. They can hire:

• in-house animators
• freelance animators
• animation studios
• or…VideoIgniter.com

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks. Hiring in-house animators gives your business more control over the animation process. They can work directly with the animators and provide feedback throughout the production process. However, hiring in-house animators can be more expensive in the long run. Businesses need to pay salaries, benefits, and overhead costs associated with having an in-house team.

Additionally, the in-house animator(s) you hire likely specialize in just a few different animation styles and their production capabilities may be limited, relative to the range of animation styles your company might want to produce.

Freelance animators offer businesses more flexibility. They can be hired on a project-by-project basis, and businesses can choose from a larger pool of talent. Freelance animators are also be more affordable than in-house animators, especially when you consider they do not come with the same overhead costs. However, businesses may face challenges in finding reliable and trustworthy freelance animators, and there may be communication issues due to distance and time zone differences.

Animation studios offer businesses high-quality animations and have teams of professionals who specialize in different aspects of animation. They are experienced in producing high-quality animations, and businesses can expect a polished final product. However, animation studios can be expensive, slow to work with, and their services may be beyond the budget of many smaller businesses.

Check out this companion article for more tips on how to hire an animator.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on the specific needs and budget of your business. Larger businesses with larger budgets may benefit from having an in-house team or hiring an animation studio. Smaller businesses with tighter budgets may benefit from hiring freelance animators or using an animated video production platform like VideoIgniter.com.

Budgeting To Hire An Animator

 

When it comes to budgeting for an animation project, it is essential to set realistic goals and identify the key elements of the project upfront. This will help your business determine how much they can afford to spend and what kind of animation they can create within their budget. It is also important to allow enough time for production, as rushed jobs can result in higher costs.

While you budget for your animated video project, consider the potential return on investment as well. A high-quality animation can help businesses attract new customers and increase sales, making it well worth the investment. Businesses should also consider the long-term benefits of animation, including increased brand recognition and higher conversions on your landing pages.

Get a quote for your animated video project.

How To Lower The Cost Of Hiring An Animator

If your business is looking to reduce the cost of hiring an animator without sacrificing quality, here are several things they can do:

Negotiate with the animator to see if they can offer a more affordable rate. See if they will reduce pricing if you agree to limit production to 1 or 2 rounds of revisions.

Consider letting your animation team use pre-made templates, icons, assets, or 3D models to simplify the animation process. This can help reduce the time and effort required to create the animation, resulting in lower costs.

Businesses can also reduce the cost of hiring an animator by writing the script yourself, creating the storyboard in-house, and providing the VoiceOver for your animation. We also recommend using clear communication to avoid rework and wasting production time.

Understanding The Value of Animation: Why It’s Worth The Investment

Animation offers numerous benefits for businesses. First and foremost, it helps businesses capture the attention of potential customers and stand out from competitors. Unlike static graphics or plain text, animation can create an emotional connection with the audience, making it more memorable and impactful.

Animation can also help businesses explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging way, making it easier for customers to understand and remember their message. Additionally, animation can help businesses build brand recognition and loyalty, as customers are more likely to remember and share animated content.

The benefits of animation extend beyond marketing and advertising. Animation can also be used in training and educational materials to make them more engaging and interactive while improving comprehension and retention.

Conclusion

The cost of hiring an animator can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the animation, the length of the video, the experience of the animator, the location of the animator, the deadline, and the costs associated with licensing music and voiceover talent. There are different types of animators available, each with their own average cost ranges. When considering the benefits and drawbacks of using in-house animators versus freelance animators or studios, it is important to consider the specific needs and budget of the business.

By following our budgeting tips and reducing costs without sacrificing quality, businesses can invest in animation and reap the benefits of increased engagement, brand recognition, and sales. Animation offers numerous benefits beyond marketing and advertising, including training videos, educational materials, and customer support videos. By understanding the value of animation, businesses can make informed decisions and achieve their marketing and business goals.

Still have questions about how much it costs to hire an animator?

Do you have a question about how much does it cost to hire an animator that wasn’t addressed in this FAQ? Use this form to send us your question and we’ll follow up with an answer. We’ll also post the question and answer to this page so other people can benefit from the knowledge.

What is Video Igniter Animation?

Video Igniter Animation is an online animated video production service. By working with our team online, you can get your custom animated video produced faster and for less than hiring a brick and mortar animation studio.

We can help you create any kind of 2D animated video or 3D animation you can imagine. Check out our animated video portfolio!

Need help syndicating your animated video? Ask us about video promotion!

Watch our explainer video on our home page to learn more about how we can help you create an animated video. For examples of the kinds of animation our team can produce, check out the demo reel below:

 

Looking For An Animated Video Company In The U.S.?

Video Igniter is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Success Stories & Testimonials

“Video Igniter offered us the critical combination of creative value, clear communication, and patience with stakeholder feedback. We ended up with truly high-quality design assets for our video series largely due to the extra level of commitment — and the right balance of efficiencies with flexibility in the process when called for.”

Larry Schlessinger – Sr. Creative Program Manager, Amazon Web Services

“Video Igniter came to us with a number of creative and engaging ideas and were able to create an exciting, impactful video in a short period of time. And the best part was that it cost much less than other options of similar quality. The video they made is a great marketing tool for us.”

Alex Raymond – Founder, Kapta Systems

“I am beyond satisfied with my experience with Video Igniter. The first drafts of the work were almost exactly what I had in my head when developing the concept. After that each step along the way was seamless until arriving at a perfect finished product. And all this at a tremendous value. Anyone who has considered creating a marketing video should check out Video Igniter.”

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