Creative & Education Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Animator Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median animator salary in Missoula, MT is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
+$5,515
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $5,515 above the Montana state average of $74,851. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $138,720 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level animator earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $80,366
75th Percentile $107,100
90th Percentile $138,720

Animator Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Animator in Missoula

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Missoula 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 Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Missoula

Browse open animator positions in Missoula, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Missoula

How much does a Animator make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median animator salary in Missoula, Montana is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $138,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Missoula earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for animator pay? ▼
Missoula's median animator salary of $80,366 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $74,851. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Missoula? ▼
Most animator positions in Missoula 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.