Creative & Education Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Animator Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median animator salary in Aurora, IL is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$74,851
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,939
Cost of Living
95%

Animator Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median animator salary of $74,851, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 Aurora spans from $43,700 at the 10th percentile to $129,200 at the 90th percentile — a $85,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level animator earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $43,700
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $74,851
75th Percentile $99,750
90th Percentile $129,200

Animator Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Animator in Aurora

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Aurora

Browse open animator positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Aurora

How much does a Animator make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median animator salary in Aurora, Illinois is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $43,700 (10th percentile) to $129,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,851, a animator in Aurora earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for animator pay? ▼
Aurora's median animator salary of $74,851 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $74,851 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Aurora? ▼
Most animator positions in Aurora 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.