Creative & Education Naperville, IL Pop. 149,540

Animator Salary in Naperville, Illinois

The median animator salary in Naperville, IL is $85,093 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 13.7% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$85,093
vs State Avg
+$10,242
vs National
+$6,303
Cost of Living
108%

Animator Pay in Naperville: What to Expect (2026)

Naperville offers a median animator salary of $85,093, which is $10,242 above the Illinois state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Naperville pays above average for this role.

Naperville's cost of living is 108% 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 Naperville spans from $49,680 at the 10th percentile to $146,880 at the 90th percentile — a $97,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,840, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,400. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Naperville by Experience

In Naperville, an entry-level animator earns around $51,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,840
+$3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
+$6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,400
+$10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Naperville, IL

Percentile Naperville
10th Percentile $49,680
25th Percentile $64,800
Median (50th) $85,093
75th Percentile $113,400
90th Percentile $146,880

Animator Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Animator in Naperville

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Naperville

Browse open animator positions in Naperville, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Naperville

How much does a Animator make in Naperville, IL? ▼
The median animator salary in Naperville, Illinois is $85,093 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $49,680 (10th percentile) to $146,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Naperville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,093, a animator in Naperville earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Naperville compare to the Illinois state average for animator pay? ▼
Naperville's median animator salary of $85,093 is 13.7% above the Illinois state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Naperville, IL? ▼
Naperville has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $85,093 in Naperville has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Naperville? ▼
Most animator positions in Naperville 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.