Creative & Education Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Animator Salary in Montana

The median animator salary in Montana is $74,851 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$74,851
vs National
$-3,939
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Animator Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for animator pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $74,851 per year, animators in Montana earn $3,939 less than the national median of $78,790.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning animator salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $43,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $129,200 — a $85,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $90,609.

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for animators across the country.

Animator Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level animator earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The cost of living index in Montana 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

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

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

Animator Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for animators in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in Montana

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Montana

How much does a Animator make in Montana? ▼
The median animator salary in Montana 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 Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,851, a animator in Montana earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for animators? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $45,600, while senior professionals earn $123,500.
How does Montana compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. Montana's median of $74,851 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($75,638) and Illinois ($74,851).
What is the entry-level animator salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level animator in Montana earns approximately $45,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,500.
What city in Montana pays animators the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for animators, with a median salary of $90,609. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.