Creative & Education Covington, KY Pop. 40,961

Animator Salary in Covington, Kentucky

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

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

Animator Pay in Covington: What to Expect (2026)

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

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

The salary range for animators in Covington 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. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, 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 Covington, KY

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

Animator Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Animator in Covington

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Covington

Browse open animator positions in Covington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Covington

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