Creative & Education Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Animator Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median animator salary in Wilmington, DE is $82,730 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$82,730
vs State Avg
+$3,152
vs National
+$3,940
Cost of Living
105%

Animator Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median animator salary of $82,730, which is $3,152 above the Delaware state average of $79,578. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington'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 Wilmington 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. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, DE

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

Animator Salary in Other Delaware Cities

How to Become a Animator in Wilmington

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open animator positions in Wilmington, DE:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Animator make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median animator salary in Wilmington, Delaware 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 Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,730, a animator in Wilmington earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for animator pay? ▼
Wilmington's median animator salary of $82,730 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $79,578. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $82,730 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Wilmington? ▼
Most animator positions in Wilmington 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.