Texture Artist Salary Guide

Texture Artists create surface detail, materials, and patterns for 3D models used in games, film, VFX, and product visualization. They produce 2D/3D texture maps (diffuse/albedo, normal, roughness, metalness, AO), set up PBR materials, bake maps, and collaborate with modelers, lighting, and technical artists to ensure assets look accurate across engines and renderers.

What is the average Texture Artist salary?

Entry Level

$50,000 - $65,000

Mid Level

$65,000 - $95,000

Senior Level

$95,000 - $140,000

How does Texture Artist salary grow with experience?

$40,000 - $55,000

0-1

$50,000 - $70,000

1-3

$65,000 - $95,000

3-6

$90,000 - $130,000

6-10

$110,000 - $160,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $160k

Texture Artist salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$85,000 - $150,000

New York City, NY$75,000 - $135,000

Los Angeles / Vancouver (Film & VFX hubs)$80,000 - $145,000

Seattle, WA (Game studios)$75,000 - $130,000

Remote / Nationwide U.S.$55,000 - $125,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Texture Artist's salary?

Industry and project budget (AAA games, film/VFX, indie/mobile)
Technical skillset (Substance tools, photogrammetry, scripting, engine integration)
Location and cost of living / employer remote pay policies
Experience level, portfolio quality, and specialization (hard-surface, organic, environment)
Employment type (full-time, contractor, freelance) and benefits/bonuses

Frequently Asked Questions About Texture Artist Salaries

What is the average salary for a Texture Artist?

Average salaries vary by level: entry ~$50k–65k, mid ~$65k–95k, senior ~$95k–140k in the United States; totals depend on location and industry.

Do Texture Artists get paid more in games or film/VFX?

Film/VFX and AAA games often pay similarly at senior levels, but AAA studios and film hubs (e.g., LA, Vancouver) can offer higher top-end salaries and contractor premiums.

Which skills most increase a Texture Artist's pay?

Mastery of PBR workflows, Substance Painter/Designer, photogrammetry, scripting (Python/MEL), and experience with real-time engines (Unreal/Unity) significantly boost compensation.

Are remote Texture Artist roles common and how do they affect pay?

Remote roles are increasingly common; some employers adjust pay by candidate location while others offer location-agnostic compensation with competitive benefits.