Creative & Education Meridian, ID Pop. 117,635

Animator Salary in Meridian, Idaho

The median animator salary in Meridian, ID is $77,214 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.3% above the Idaho state average.

City Median
$77,214
vs State Avg
+$3,151
vs National
$-1,576
Cost of Living
98%

Animator Pay in Meridian: What to Expect (2026)

Meridian offers a median animator salary of $77,214, which is $3,151 above the Idaho state average of $74,063. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Meridian pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Meridian's cost of living is 98% 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 Meridian spans from $45,080 at the 10th percentile to $133,280 at the 90th percentile — a $88,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,400. With a population of 117,635, Meridian is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Meridian by Experience

In Meridian, an entry-level animator earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,400
$-2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Meridian, ID

Percentile Meridian
10th Percentile $45,080
25th Percentile $58,800
Median (50th) $77,214
75th Percentile $102,900
90th Percentile $133,280

Animator Salary in Other Idaho Cities

How to Become a Animator in Meridian

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Meridian

Browse open animator positions in Meridian, ID:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Meridian

How much does a Animator make in Meridian, ID? ▼
The median animator salary in Meridian, Idaho is $77,214 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $45,080 (10th percentile) to $133,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Meridian? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,214, a animator in Meridian earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Meridian compare to the Idaho state average for animator pay? ▼
Meridian's median animator salary of $77,214 is 4.3% above the Idaho state average of $74,063. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Meridian, ID? ▼
Meridian has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $77,214 in Meridian has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Meridian? ▼
Most animator positions in Meridian 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.