Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How to Use Per-Second Pricing as a Motion Designer
Per-second pricing for motion design typically ranges from $80–$300 per finished second depending on animation complexity and style. It works best as an internal estimation tool rather than a client-facing quote.
Floor
$80
per hour
Typical
$150
per hour
Premium
$300
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Animation style (flat 2D, character, 3D, mixed)
- Scene complexity and number of elements per frame
- Inclusion of custom character rigs
- Sound design complexity
- Whether the script and assets are client-supplied
- Number of revision rounds
- Deadline urgency
Real quote breakdowns
Simple Icon Animation (10 sec)
A client needs a 10-second looping icon animation for website use with flat design and stock sound.
Breakdown
10 seconds at $90/sec for simple flat animation, one revision round, web-optimised export.
Character-Driven Explainer (60 sec)
A 60-second explainer featuring a custom character and multiple scene transitions.
Breakdown
60 seconds at $150/sec for character animation with moderate complexity, storyboard included.
Complex 3D Product Showcase (30 sec)
A 30-second 3D product animation for a tech launch with photorealistic rendering and sound design.
Breakdown
30 seconds at $300/sec for high-fidelity 3D animation, custom sound design, colour grade, and broadcast export.
Frequently asked questions
Is per-second pricing the best way to quote motion design?
Per-second rates are useful for quick internal estimates, but project-based pricing is better for client proposals. Use per-second benchmarks to validate your project quote is profitable.
Why does per-second pricing vary so much?
The time to produce one second of animation varies enormously. A simple logo reveal takes 30 minutes; one second of complex character animation can take 4–8 hours. Style complexity drives the rate.
How do I explain per-second pricing to a client?
Most clients don't understand per-second rates. Convert to a project total before presenting. If they ask how you calculated it, explain it as a function of complexity and production hours.
Do I charge per second for revisions too?
No. Revisions should be scoped separately — either as included rounds in the project fee or as hourly billing for changes outside the agreed scope.