Creative & Education Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Animator Salary in Arkansas

The median animator salary in Arkansas is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$66,184
vs National
$-12,606
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Animator Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Animator salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,184 per year, animators in Arkansas earn $12,606 less than the national median of $78,790.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $66,184 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $38,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $114,240 — a $75,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $69,335.

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for animators across the country.

Animator Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level animator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,184
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $114,240

Animator Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for animators in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Arkansas

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Animator make in Arkansas? ▼
The median animator salary in Arkansas is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Arkansas earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for animators? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $40,320, while senior professionals earn $109,200.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Arkansas's median of $66,184 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($68,547) and Oklahoma ($67,759).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level animator in Arkansas earns approximately $40,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,200.
What city in Arkansas pays animators the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for animators, with a median salary of $69,335. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.