Creative & Education Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Animator Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median animator salary in Grand Island, NE is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$66,184
vs State Avg
$-4,727
vs National
$-12,606
Cost of Living
84%

Animator Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median animator salary of $66,184, which is $4,727 below the Nebraska state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $66,184 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Grand Island spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level animator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,184
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $114,240

Animator Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$73,275
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$72,487
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$70,911
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$67,759
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Animator in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open animator positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Animator make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median animator salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Grand Island earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for animator pay? ▼
Grand Island's median animator salary of $66,184 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,184 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Grand Island? ▼
Most animator positions in Grand Island 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.