Creative & Education Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Animator Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median animator salary in Sioux City, IA is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$66,184
vs State Avg
$-3,939
vs National
$-12,606
Cost of Living
84%

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

Sioux City offers a median animator salary of $66,184, which is $3,939 below the Iowa state average of $70,123. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $66,184 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Sioux City spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level animator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,184
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $114,240

Animator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$74,851
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$72,487
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$69,335
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$67,759
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Animator in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open animator positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Animator make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median animator salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Sioux City earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for animator pay? ▼
Sioux City's median animator salary of $66,184 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $70,123. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,184 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Sioux City? ▼
Most animator positions in Sioux 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.