Creative & Education Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Animator Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median animator salary in Fayetteville, AR is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
+$3,151
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $3,151 above the Arkansas state average of $66,184. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,335 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Fayetteville spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $119,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level animator earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $69,335
75th Percentile $92,400
90th Percentile $119,680

Animator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$68,547
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$66,184
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$64,608
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$63,032
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Animator in Fayetteville

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open animator positions in Fayetteville, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Animator make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median animator salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $119,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Fayetteville earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for animator pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median animator salary of $69,335 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $66,184. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Fayetteville? ▼
Most animator positions in Fayetteville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Maya/Blender, After Effects, Character Design, Storyboarding. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.