Creative & Education Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Animator Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median animator salary in Kansas City, KS is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.

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

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

Kansas City offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $788 above the Kansas state average of $68,547. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, KS

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

Animator Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Animator in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open animator positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Animator make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median animator salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Kansas City earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for animator pay? ▼
Kansas City's median animator salary of $69,335 is 1.1% above the Kansas state average of $68,547. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Kansas City? ▼
Most animator positions in Kansas 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.