Creative & Education West Fargo, ND Pop. 38,626

Animator Salary in West Fargo, North Dakota

The median animator salary in West Fargo, ND is $73,275 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$73,275
vs State Avg
+$2,364
vs National
$-5,515
Cost of Living
93%

Animator Pay in West Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

West Fargo offers a median animator salary of $73,275, which is $2,364 above the North Dakota state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, West Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

West Fargo's cost of living is 93% 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 West Fargo spans from $42,780 at the 10th percentile to $126,480 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,640, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,900. West Fargo is a smaller market (pop. 38,626), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in West Fargo by Experience

In West Fargo, an entry-level animator earns around $44,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,900
$-9,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in West Fargo, ND

Percentile West Fargo
10th Percentile $42,780
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $73,275
75th Percentile $97,650
90th Percentile $126,480

Animator Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Animator in West Fargo

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in West Fargo

Browse open animator positions in West Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in West Fargo

How much does a Animator make in West Fargo, ND? ▼
The median animator salary in West Fargo, North Dakota is $73,275 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $42,780 (10th percentile) to $126,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in West Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,275, a animator in West Fargo earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does West Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼
West Fargo's median animator salary of $73,275 is 3.3% above the North Dakota state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in West Fargo, ND? ▼
West Fargo has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $73,275 in West Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in West Fargo? ▼
Most animator positions in West 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.