Creative & Education Grand Forks, ND Pop. 56,588

Animator Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota

The median animator salary in Grand Forks, ND is $69,335 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$69,335
vs State Avg
$-1,576
vs National
$-9,455
Cost of Living
88%

Animator Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Forks offers a median animator salary of $69,335, which is $1,576 below the North Dakota state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Grand Forks 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. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Grand Forks by Experience

In Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks, ND

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

Animator Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$74,063
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$73,275
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$72,487
Pop. 48,639
Bismarck, ND
$70,911
Pop. 73,529

How to Become a Animator in Grand Forks

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Grand Forks

Browse open animator positions in Grand Forks, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Grand Forks

How much does a Animator make in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
The median animator salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota 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 Grand Forks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,335, a animator in Grand Forks earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Forks compare to the North Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼
Grand Forks's median animator salary of $69,335 is 2.2% below the North Dakota state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Forks, ND? ▼
Grand Forks has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $69,335 in Grand Forks has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Grand Forks? ▼
Most animator positions in Grand Forks 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.