Wondering how much should you expect to make as a motion design career path in the USA? We gathered our information through anonymous submissions from our global community of over 300,000 designers. Based on this data, Motion Designers who work in the United States make an average of $65,000 every year, ranging from about $35,000 to approximately $120,000.

Let’s break down our findings on average Motion Designer's salaries by experience.

Entry-level Motion Designer salary in the USA

Entry-level Motion Designers are those who are just starting out and have no professional experience in the design industry. They may be recent university graduates or people who have decided to shift careers. If this description of entry-level Motion Designers matches you and you work in the USA, you can expect to make an average of $35,000 per year.

Junior Motion Designer salary in the USA

Junior Motion Designers usually have 1 to 3 years of experience in the field. They are still getting to know the industry, but they can already work in a team setting and produce very valuable work. In the USA, junior Motion Designers usually make about $72,500 per year.

Mid-level Motion Designer salary the USA

Mid-level Motion Designers are those who have been working in the field for quite a few years (usually 3 to 8) and have gained significant experience. They are proficient in their craft and tend to produce higher-quality work than junior Motion Designers. If this description of mid-level Motion Designers matches you and you work in the USA you can expect to make an average of $80,000 per year.

Senior Motion Designer salary in the USA

If you are a senior Motion Designer, it generally means that you have upwards of 8 years of experience in your field. By now, you have become proficient in what you do and can often produce the highest-quality work in the shortest time. If you are looking to work as a senior Motion Designer in the USA, you should be aiming for jobs offering around $110,000 per year.

For worldwide UX salary insights for 2026, read our comprehensive guide.

What Do Motion Designers Do?

Motion designers are graphic designers that use animation, audio, and visual effects to make graphics move. Moving objects are often used in apps, games, advertisements, TV, and films to attract attention and connect with the audience.

The most common motion designer responsibilities include:

  • Creating, revising, and updating animations and motion content for social media, campaigns, and product UI overviews
  • Collaborating with other motion and graphic designers to finalize ideas and work scope
  • Communicating with cross-functional teams (marketing, engineering, and UX) to match technical standards and product vision

Skills to Increase Motion Designer Salaries

Motion design is a rapidly developing industry that requires motion designers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools. Designers can strengthen their current skills in motion design by taking courses, obtaining motion design credentials, participating in design competitions, and networking.

  • Team working and communication skills, as well as critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, openness to feedback, and effective time management. Storytelling is especially important, as it allows you to properly convey meanings and emotions. It is also your job to assess your team's design skills and help them grow.
  • Understanding of the theories behind motion and animation, which are crucial to delivering an impeccable product.
  • Solid knowledge of the core principles of visual design, which will allow you to perfect the look of your animations.
  • Color theory and color psychology, which are necessary components of proper composition. If used correctly, they can guide users’ eyes and establish a hierarchy.
  • Typography, which will help you create compositions that please the eye and give the right importance to all information.
  • 3D design and CAD can also be a plus depending on the projects you're taking on.
  • AI-assisted motion design for emerging times — check out our free AI courses and certifications guide to get started.

Career Paths for Motion Designers

Designer career path

A motion designer job typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, art, or any other related field, along with a portfolio. You can start your career path by applying to internships, volunteering your service to non-profit or college organizations, or helping out at a relative's or friend's business.

Even if you move to motion design from another industry, you're more likely to find a job as a motion designer if you practice a lot and build up your portfolio.

As their skills grow, motion designers can be promoted to the position of art director or transition to the role of graphic designer, web designer, or UI designer.