Creative & Education Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Animator Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median animator salary in Kansas City, MO is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$72,487
vs State Avg
+$3,152
vs National
$-6,303
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median animator salary of $72,487, which is $3,152 above the Missouri state average of $69,335. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% 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 Kansas City spans from $42,320 at the 10th percentile to $125,120 at the 90th percentile — a $82,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,600. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level animator earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,600
$-10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $42,320
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $72,487
75th Percentile $96,600
90th Percentile $125,120

Animator Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$70,911
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$69,335
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$66,972
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$64,608
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Animator in Kansas City

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Animator make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median animator salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $42,320 (10th percentile) to $125,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,487, a animator in Kansas City earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for animator pay? ▼
Kansas City's median animator salary of $72,487 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $69,335. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $72,487 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.