Creative & Education Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Animator Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median animator salary in Boulder, CO is $100,851 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$100,851
vs State Avg
+$18,121
vs National
+$22,061
Cost of Living
128%

Animator Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median animator salary of $100,851, which is $18,121 above the Colorado state average of $82,730. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $100,851 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Boulder spans from $58,880 at the 10th percentile to $174,080 at the 90th percentile — a $115,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,440, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,400. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level animator earns around $61,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,400
+$22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,400
+$36,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $58,880
25th Percentile $76,800
Median (50th) $100,851
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $174,080

Animator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$88,245
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$83,517
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$82,730
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$78,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Animator in Boulder

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Boulder

Browse open animator positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Boulder

How much does a Animator make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median animator salary in Boulder, Colorado is $100,851 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $58,880 (10th percentile) to $174,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,851, a animator in Boulder earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for animator pay? ▼
Boulder's median animator salary of $100,851 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $82,730. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $100,851 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Boulder? ▼
Most animator positions in Boulder 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.