Creative & Education North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Animator Salary in North Dakota

The median animator salary in North Dakota is $70,911 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $78,790.

Median Salary
$70,911
vs National
$-7,879
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Animator Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for animator compensation. Animator salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,911 per year, animators in North Dakota earn $7,879 less than the national median of $78,790.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $70,911 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: animators at the 10th percentile earn $41,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,400 — a $81,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $74,063.

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for animators across the country.

Animator Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level animator earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $70,911
75th Percentile $94,500
90th Percentile $122,400

Animator Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for animators in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Animator in North Dakota

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Animator make in North Dakota? ▼
The median animator salary in North Dakota is $70,911 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $122,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,911, a animator in North Dakota earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for animators? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for animator pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level animators earn $43,200, while senior professionals earn $117,000.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for animator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for animators is Hawaii at $133,943. North Dakota's median of $70,911 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($70,911) and Nebraska ($70,911).
What is the entry-level animator salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level animator in North Dakota earns approximately $43,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,000.
What city in North Dakota pays animators the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for animators, with a median salary of $74,063. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.