Creative & Education Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Animator Salary in Delaware

The median animator salary in Delaware is $79,578 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$79,578
vs National
+$788
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Animator Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for animator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $79,578 per year, animators in Delaware earn $788 more than the national median of $78,790.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning animator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $46,460, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $137,360 — a $90,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $82,730.

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 Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level animator earns around $48,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,300 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,800
+$800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,300
+$1,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $46,460
25th Percentile $60,600
Median (50th) $79,578
75th Percentile $106,050
90th Percentile $137,360

Animator Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for animators in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Delaware

How much does a Animator make in Delaware? ▼
The median animator salary in Delaware is $79,578 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,460 (10th percentile) to $137,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,578, a animator in Delaware earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for animators? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $48,480, while senior professionals earn $131,300.
How does Delaware compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Delaware's median of $79,578 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($82,730) and Virginia ($81,942).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level animator in Delaware earns approximately $48,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,300.
What city in Delaware pays animators the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for animators, with a median salary of $82,730. Other cities include Dover and Newark.