Creative & Education Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Animator Salary in Indiana

The median animator salary in Indiana is $70,911 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$70,911
vs National
$-7,879
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Animator Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Animator salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,911 per year, animators in Indiana earn $7,879 less than the national median of $78,790.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $70,911 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $41,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,400 — a $81,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $82,730.

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for animators across the country.

Animator Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level animator earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $70,911
75th Percentile $94,500
90th Percentile $122,400

Animator Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for animators in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Indiana

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Indiana

How much does a Animator make in Indiana? ▼
The median animator salary in Indiana is $70,911 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $122,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,911, a animator in Indiana earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for animators? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $43,200, while senior professionals earn $117,000.
How does Indiana compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Indiana's median of $70,911 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($72,487) and Louisiana ($71,699).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level animator in Indiana earns approximately $43,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,000.
What city in Indiana pays animators the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for animators, with a median salary of $82,730. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.