Creative & Education Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Animator Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median animator salary in Fort Collins, CO is $83,517 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$83,517
vs State Avg
+$787
vs National
+$4,727
Cost of Living
106%

Animator Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median animator salary of $83,517, which is $787 above the Colorado state average of $82,730. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% 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 Fort Collins spans from $48,760 at the 10th percentile to $144,160 at the 90th percentile — a $95,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,880, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,800. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level animator earns around $50,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,800
+$7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $48,760
25th Percentile $63,600
Median (50th) $83,517
75th Percentile $111,300
90th Percentile $144,160

Animator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Animator in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open animator positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Animator make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median animator salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $83,517 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $48,760 (10th percentile) to $144,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,517, a animator in Fort Collins earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for animator pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median animator salary of $83,517 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $82,730. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $83,517 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Fort Collins? ▼
Most animator positions in Fort Collins 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.