Creative & Education Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Animator Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median animator salary in Akron, OH is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$66,184
vs State Avg
$-4,727
vs National
$-12,606
Cost of Living
84%

Animator Pay in Akron: What to Expect (2026)

Akron offers a median animator salary of $66,184, which is $4,727 below the Ohio state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $66,184 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Akron spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $114,240 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level animator earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,184
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $114,240

Animator Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Animator in Akron

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Akron

Browse open animator positions in Akron, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Akron

How much does a Animator make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median animator salary in Akron, Ohio is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $114,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Akron earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for animator pay? ▼
Akron's median animator salary of $66,184 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,184 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Akron? ▼
Most animator positions in Akron 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.