Creative & Education Aurora, CO Pop. 386,261

Animator Salary in Aurora, Colorado

The median animator salary in Aurora, CO is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$82,730
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$3,940
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median animator salary of $82,730, which is $0 above the Colorado state average of $82,730. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Aurora pays above average for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for animators in Aurora spans from $48,300 at the 10th percentile to $142,800 at the 90th percentile — a $94,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,500. With a population of 386,261, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level animator earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,000
+$4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,500
+$6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, CO

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $48,300
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $82,730
75th Percentile $110,250
90th Percentile $142,800

Animator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Animator in Aurora

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Aurora and the surrounding Colorado 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 Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Aurora

Browse open animator positions in Aurora, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Aurora

How much does a Animator make in Aurora, CO? ▼
The median animator salary in Aurora, Colorado is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $48,300 (10th percentile) to $142,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in Aurora earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Colorado state average for animator pay? ▼
Aurora's median animator salary of $82,730 is 0.0% above the Colorado state average of $82,730. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, CO? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $82,730 in Aurora has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Aurora? ▼
Most animator positions in Aurora 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.