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Animator Salary in Brookings, SD

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

Median Salary
$54,336
per year in Brookings
Entry Level
$31,963
Starting salary
Senior Level
$78,309
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,963$54,336$78,309
Monthly$2,664$4,528$6,526
Biweekly$1,229$2,090$3,012
Weekly$615$1,045$1,506
Hourly$15$26$38

Brookings vs National Average

How Brookings's animator salaries compare to national figures.

Brookings Salary
$54,336
COL Index: 88
National Average
$75,300
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,964
Lower in Brookings

Cost of Living in Brookings

1-Bedroom Rent
$780
per month
Median Income
$38,234
per year
Population
24,930
residents
Rent % of Income
24.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Brookings 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
+91%
Los Angeles, CA
$129,260
+138%
Chicago, IL
$76,330
+40%
Houston, TX
$83,940
+54%
Phoenix, AZ
$77,670
+43%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a animator salary in Brookings.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Animator Salary in Brookings, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a animator in Brookings, SD is $54,336 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brookings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level animator professionals in Brookings can expect to earn around $31,963 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level animators earning approximately $78,309 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Brookings's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Brookings 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 Brookings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 17.2% 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 Brookings, 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.