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Animator Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$59,894
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$35,231
Starting salary
Senior Level
$86,318
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,231$59,894$86,318
Monthly$2,936$4,991$7,193
Biweekly$1,355$2,304$3,320
Weekly$678$1,152$1,660
Hourly$17$29$41

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's animator salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$59,894
COL Index: 97
National Average
$75,300
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,406
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines 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
+74%
Los Angeles, CA
$129,260
+116%
Chicago, IL
$76,330
+27%
Houston, TX
$83,940
+40%
Phoenix, AZ
$77,670
+30%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Animator Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a animator in Des Moines, IA is $59,894 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level animator professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $35,231 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level animators earning approximately $86,318 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines 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 Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 26.0% 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 Des Moines, 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.