Creative & Education Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Animator Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median animator salary in Las Cruces, NM is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-3,940
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $3,940 below the New Mexico state average of $73,275. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,335 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Las Cruces spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $119,680 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level animator earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $69,335
75th Percentile $92,400
90th Percentile $119,680

Animator Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$86,669
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$74,851
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$72,487
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$64,608
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Animator in Las Cruces

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open animator positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Animator make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median animator salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $119,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Las Cruces earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for animator pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median animator salary of $69,335 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $73,275. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Las Cruces? ▼
Most animator positions in Las Cruces 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.