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Animator Salary in Ankeny, IA

How much does a animator make in Ankeny? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ankeny's cost of living.

Median Salary
$56,806
per year in Ankeny
Entry Level
$33,415
Starting salary
Senior Level
$81,868
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how animator salaries break down across different pay periods in Ankeny.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$33,415$56,806$81,868
Monthly$2,785$4,734$6,822
Biweekly$1,285$2,185$3,149
Weekly$643$1,092$1,574
Hourly$16$27$39

Ankeny vs National Average

How Ankeny's animator salaries compare to national figures.

Ankeny Salary
$56,806
COL Index: 92
National Average
$75,300
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,494
Lower in Ankeny

Cost of Living in Ankeny

1-Bedroom Rent
$880
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
67,790
residents
Rent % of Income
14.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ankeny have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Animator

Overview

Create animations for films, television, and digital media.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Key Skills

Animation Software3D ModelingMotion GraphicsStorytelling

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Animator Salary

See Animator salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$103,940
+83%
Los Angeles, CA
$129,260
+128%
Chicago, IL
$76,330
+34%
Houston, TX
$83,940
+48%
Phoenix, AZ
$77,670
+37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Animator Salary in Ankeny, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a animator in Ankeny, IA is $56,806 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ankeny's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level animator professionals in Ankeny can expect to earn around $33,415 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level animators earning approximately $81,868 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ankeny's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ankeny are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $75,300, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a animator's salary in Ankeny typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $880 per month, housing represents about 18.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Animators are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Ankeny, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.