Creative & Education Cincinnati, OH Pop. 309,317

Animator Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio

The median animator salary in Cincinnati, OH is $70,911 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$70,911
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,879
Cost of Living
90%

Animator Pay in Cincinnati: What to Expect (2026)

Cincinnati offers a median animator salary of $70,911, which is $0 above the Ohio state average of $70,911. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Cincinnati pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Cincinnati's cost of living is 90% 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 Cincinnati spans from $41,400 at the 10th percentile to $122,400 at the 90th percentile — a $81,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,000. With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Cincinnati by Experience

In Cincinnati, an entry-level animator earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Cincinnati, OH

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

Animator Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Animator in Cincinnati

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Cincinnati

Browse open animator positions in Cincinnati, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Cincinnati

How much does a Animator make in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
The median animator salary in Cincinnati, Ohio 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 Cincinnati? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,911, a animator in Cincinnati earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cincinnati compare to the Ohio state average for animator pay? ▼
Cincinnati's median animator salary of $70,911 is 0.0% above the Ohio state average of $70,911. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $70,911 in Cincinnati has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Cincinnati? ▼
Most animator positions in Cincinnati 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.