Creative & Education Reno, NV Pop. 264,165

Animator Salary in Reno, Nevada

The median animator salary in Reno, NV is $81,942 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Nevada state average.

City Median
$81,942
vs State Avg
+$5,516
vs National
+$3,152
Cost of Living
104%

Animator Pay in Reno: What to Expect (2026)

Reno offers a median animator salary of $81,942, which is $5,516 above the Nevada state average of $76,426. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Reno pays above average for this role.

Reno's cost of living is 104% 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 Reno spans from $47,840 at the 10th percentile to $141,440 at the 90th percentile — a $93,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,920, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,200. With a population of 264,165, Reno is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Reno by Experience

In Reno, an entry-level animator earns around $49,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,920
+$1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,200
+$5,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reno, NV

Percentile Reno
10th Percentile $47,840
25th Percentile $62,400
Median (50th) $81,942
75th Percentile $109,200
90th Percentile $141,440

Animator Salary in Other Nevada Cities

How to Become a Animator in Reno

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Reno

Browse open animator positions in Reno, NV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Reno

How much does a Animator make in Reno, NV? ▼
The median animator salary in Reno, Nevada is $81,942 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $47,840 (10th percentile) to $141,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Reno? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,942, a animator in Reno earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reno compare to the Nevada state average for animator pay? ▼
Reno's median animator salary of $81,942 is 7.2% above the Nevada state average of $76,426. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reno, NV? ▼
Reno has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $81,942 in Reno has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Reno? ▼
Most animator positions in Reno 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.