Creative & Education Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Animator Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median animator salary in Iowa City, IA is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$74,851
vs State Avg
+$4,728
vs National
$-3,939
Cost of Living
95%

Animator Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median animator salary of $74,851, which is $4,728 above the Iowa state average of $70,123. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $43,700 at the 10th percentile to $129,200 at the 90th percentile — a $85,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level animator earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $43,700
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $74,851
75th Percentile $99,750
90th Percentile $129,200

Animator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Animator in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open animator positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Animator make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median animator salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $43,700 (10th percentile) to $129,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,851, a animator in Iowa City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for animator pay? ▼
Iowa City's median animator salary of $74,851 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $70,123. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $74,851 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Iowa City? ▼
Most animator positions in Iowa City 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.