Creative & Education Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Animator Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median animator salary in Fargo, ND is $74,063 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$74,063
vs State Avg
+$3,152
vs National
$-4,727
Cost of Living
94%

Animator Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median animator salary of $74,063, which is $3,152 above the North Dakota state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $43,240 at the 10th percentile to $127,840 at the 90th percentile — a $84,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,120, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,200. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level animator earns around $45,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $43,240
25th Percentile $56,400
Median (50th) $74,063
75th Percentile $98,700
90th Percentile $127,840

Animator Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Animator in Fargo

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Fargo

Browse open animator positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Fargo

How much does a Animator make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median animator salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $74,063 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $43,240 (10th percentile) to $127,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,063, a animator in Fargo earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼
Fargo's median animator salary of $74,063 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼
Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $74,063 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Fargo? ▼
Most animator positions in Fargo 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.