Creative & Education Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Animator Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median animator salary in Springfield, IL is $66,972 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$66,972
vs State Avg
$-7,879
vs National
$-11,818
Cost of Living
85%

Animator Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median animator salary of $66,972, which is $7,879 below the Illinois state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $66,972 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,791 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Springfield spans from $39,100 at the 10th percentile to $115,600 at the 90th percentile — a $76,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,800, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,500. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level animator earns around $40,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,500
$-19,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $39,100
25th Percentile $51,000
Median (50th) $66,972
75th Percentile $89,250
90th Percentile $115,600

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
Rockford, IL
$64,608
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Animator in Springfield

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Springfield

Browse open animator positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Springfield

How much does a Animator make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median animator salary in Springfield, Illinois is $66,972 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $115,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,972, a animator in Springfield earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for animator pay? ▼
Springfield's median animator salary of $66,972 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,972 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Springfield? ▼
Most animator positions in Springfield 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.