Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Animator Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median animator salary in Kearney, NE is $67,759 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$67,759
vs State Avg
$-3,152
vs National
$-11,031
Cost of Living
86%

Animator Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median animator salary of $67,759, which is $3,152 below the Nebraska state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $67,759 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Kearney spans from $39,560 at the 10th percentile to $116,960 at the 90th percentile — a $77,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,800. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level animator earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,800
$-18,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $39,560
25th Percentile $51,600
Median (50th) $67,759
75th Percentile $90,300
90th Percentile $116,960

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
Grand Island, NE
$66,184
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Animator in Kearney

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Kearney

Browse open animator positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Kearney

How much does a Animator make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median animator salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $67,759 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $39,560 (10th percentile) to $116,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,759, a animator in Kearney earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for animator pay? ▼
Kearney's median animator salary of $67,759 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $67,759 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Kearney? ▼
Most animator positions in Kearney 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.