Creative & Education Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Animator Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median animator salary in Chicago, IL is $84,305 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$84,305
vs State Avg
+$9,454
vs National
+$5,515
Cost of Living
107%

Animator Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level animator earns around $51,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,100
+$9,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $49,220
25th Percentile $64,200
Median (50th) $84,305
75th Percentile $112,350
90th Percentile $145,520

Animator Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$85,093
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$74,851
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$66,972
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$64,608
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Animator in Chicago

Education

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