Animator Jobs in Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee$72,100 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Animator Jobs in Nashville

Looking for a Animator job in Nashville? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Animator in Nashville, TN.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Nashville has a strong job market for Animators. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Animator Salary in Nashville

Entry Level
$43,775
Median
$72,100
Senior Level
$106,605

Animator salaries in Nashville are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Nashville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

2D/3D AnimationCharacter DesignStoryboardingAnimation SoftwareTiming

Animator Job Market in Nashville

Nashville, TN is a major regional employment hub for Animator professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 689K residents, Nashville balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Animator roles across various sectors. The market for Animator positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Animators in Nashville

State of TennesseeMetro NashvilleVanderbilt UniversityNissan North America

Major employers hiring Animators in Nashville include State of Tennessee, Metro Nashville, Vanderbilt University, Nissan North America. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Animators in Nashville

Living in Nashville as a Animator means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Housing costs are manageable for Animator salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

103
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Animator in Nashville

Nashville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Animators in Nashville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Animator professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Animator earning $72,100 would save approximately $3,605 annually. This makes Nashville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Animators

The job outlook for Animators in Nashville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Nashville's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include 2D/3D Animation, Character Design, Storyboarding, Animation Software.

Relocating to Nashville

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Animator salary in Nashville, TN?

The average Animator salary in Nashville, TN is $72,100 per year. Entry-level Animators typically start around $43,775, while experienced professionals can earn $106,605 or more. The national average for Animator roles is $70,000.

How many Animator jobs are available in Nashville?

Nashville has a strong job market with regular openings for Animator professionals. Major employers hiring Animators include State of Tennessee, Metro Nashville, Vanderbilt University, Nissan North America. The Healthcare and Music sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Nashville a good city for Animators?

Nashville is an excellent choice for Animators. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Animators in Nashville?

Top skills for Animators in Nashville include 2D/3D Animation, Character Design, Storyboarding, Animation Software, Timing. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Animators in Nashville?

Nashville's cost of living is near the national average (103% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Nashville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Animators in Nashville?

Nashville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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