Creative & Education Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Animator Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median animator salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-788
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $788 below the Iowa state average of $70,123. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,335 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Cedar Rapids spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $119,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level animator earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $69,335
75th Percentile $92,400
90th Percentile $119,680

Animator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$74,851
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$72,487
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$67,759
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$66,184
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Animator in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa 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 Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open animator positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Animator make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median animator salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $119,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for animator pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median animator salary of $69,335 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $70,123. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most animator positions in Cedar Rapids 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.