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Animator's Salary in India: Underpaid World


This blog aims to shed light on the often asked and misunderstood topic of animator salaries in India, providing valuable insights and advice for foreign clients and aspiring animators in the country.


We all know that the animation industry in India is a rapidly growing sector. Which is why it's very volatile right now..


Indian Animator's Salary can be broadly divided into three categories: job-based salaries, freelancer income, and independent artists Earning. Each category has its own unique characteristics and income potential.


Job-Based Salaries


In the job-based category, there are three levels of salaries for animators in the industry. The salary often depends on the animator's skill level and the type of organization they work for, such as a studio or an agency.


1. Entry-Level Animators: These individuals have just graduated from university or have completed a diploma degree. They typically start in small in-house studios, agencies, or startups to gain experience. Due to some circumstances, experienced one also works in this category, about 50% of these people have above-average skills. Their salary range is between ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per month.


2. Mid-Level Animators: These people have worked for at least one to two years or possess extraordinary skills. They have a strong portfolio, a good attitude, and valuable experience. Almost everyone in this category is on an above-average skill level. Their salary range is ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month.


3. Senior-Level Animators: These individuals are working in prestigious studios like Prana, Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network. They reach this salary level after they have completed their internships and have a very strong portfolio in a specialized and systematic way. Their salary range is between ₹1,80,000 to around ₹3,00,000 per month.


It's important to note that an animator earning between ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 can increase their salary range to around ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 by continuing to work in the industry for around 3-4 years. With further experience and skill development, they can aspire to work in dream-like studios with a salary of ₹180000 to ₹300000.


Freelancers Income


Freelancing is another viable option in the animation industry. There are different stages in this category as well.


1. Beginner Freelancers: These freelancers earn from ₹5,000 to ₹60,000 per month. Initially, they might struggle to get regular clients, but as they work hard, build a good portfolio, and advertise their work, their income can increase rapidly.


2. Experienced Freelancers: These are individuals who have honed their skills to a very advanced level. They can convince clients that their work is of the highest quality, comparable to big studios such as Disney. Their monthly income ranges from around ₹1,00,000 to ₹8,00,000.


3. Freelance Teams: Once freelancers have so much work that they can't handle by themselves, they may decide to hire other artists or ask their friends in their network to help. In this way, they create a team, and their income can range from around ₹2,00,000 to unlimited, proportional to their work tendency, consistency, hard work, and determination.


Independent Artist's Earning


Lastly, there are independent artists. These individuals start with zero income and focus on creating their art and animation, doing what they love. They post their work on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and as they gain followers, they get to monetize their channels naturally and organically. They also earn through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, monetization, and freelance opportunities from big studios. Their income per month could range from 5 lakh to unlimited.


In Conclusion, Animator's could have different income categories: job-based salaries, freelancer income, and independent artists. It breaks down the salary ranges for job-based animators at different experience levels, from entry-level to senior-level. The post also discusses the income potential for freelancers and independent artists, highlighting the factors that can influence their earnings.


The animation industry in India offers a wide range of opportunities for animators at all levels. Whether you're a job-based animator, a freelancer, or an independent artist, there's a place for you in this exciting and growing industry. Understanding the salary structures and income potential can help you make informed career decisions. Remember, your skills, experience, and determination play a crucial role in your earning potential. Keep honing your skills, stay updated with industry trends, and keep creating!

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