Creative & Education Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Animator Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median animator salary in Dover, DE is $75,638 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$75,638
vs State Avg
$-3,940
vs National
$-3,152
Cost of Living
96%

Animator Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median animator salary of $75,638, which is $3,940 below the Delaware state average of $79,578. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $130,560 at the 90th percentile — a $86,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,080, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level animator earns around $46,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
$-5,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $75,638
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $130,560

Animator Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$82,730
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$80,366
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$78,002
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$77,214
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Animator in Dover

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Dover

Browse open animator positions in Dover, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Dover

How much does a Animator make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median animator salary in Dover, Delaware is $75,638 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $130,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,638, a animator in Dover earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for animator pay? ▼
Dover's median animator salary of $75,638 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $79,578. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $75,638 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Dover? ▼
Most animator positions in Dover 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.