Creative & Education Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Animator Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median animator salary in Rockford, IL is $64,608 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$64,608
vs State Avg
$-10,243
vs National
$-14,182
Cost of Living
82%

Animator Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median animator salary of $64,608, which is $10,243 below the Illinois state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $64,608 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Rockford spans from $37,720 at the 10th percentile to $111,520 at the 90th percentile — a $73,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,600. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level animator earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,600
$-14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,600
$-23,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $37,720
25th Percentile $49,200
Median (50th) $64,608
75th Percentile $86,100
90th Percentile $111,520

Animator Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$85,093
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$84,305
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$74,851
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$66,972
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Animator in Rockford

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Rockford

Browse open animator positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Rockford

How much does a Animator make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median animator salary in Rockford, Illinois is $64,608 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $37,720 (10th percentile) to $111,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,608, a animator in Rockford earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for animator pay? ▼
Rockford's median animator salary of $64,608 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $64,608 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Rockford? ▼
Most animator positions in Rockford 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.