Creative & Education Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Animator Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median animator salary in Bozeman, MT is $90,609 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$90,609
vs State Avg
+$15,758
vs National
+$11,819
Cost of Living
115%

Animator Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median animator salary of $90,609, which is $15,758 above the Montana state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,609 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Bozeman spans from $52,900 at the 10th percentile to $156,400 at the 90th percentile — a $103,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,200, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,500. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level animator earns around $55,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,000
+$12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,500
+$19,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $52,900
25th Percentile $69,000
Median (50th) $90,609
75th Percentile $120,750
90th Percentile $156,400

Animator Salary in Other Montana Cities

Missoula, MT
$80,366
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$75,638
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$74,063
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$69,335
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Animator in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open animator positions in Bozeman, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Animator make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median animator salary in Bozeman, Montana is $90,609 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $52,900 (10th percentile) to $156,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,609, a animator in Bozeman earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for animator pay? ▼
Bozeman's median animator salary of $90,609 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $90,609 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Bozeman? ▼
Most animator positions in Bozeman 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.