Creative & Education Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Animator Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median animator salary in Aberdeen, SD is $66,184 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$66,184
vs State Avg
$-3,151
vs National
$-12,606
Cost of Living
84%

Animator Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median animator salary of $66,184, which is $3,151 below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for animators in Aberdeen 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. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen, SD

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

Animator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$72,487
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$70,911
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$67,759
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$64,608
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Animator in Aberdeen

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open animator positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Animator make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median animator salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota 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 Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,184, a animator in Aberdeen earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median animator salary of $66,184 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $66,184 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Aberdeen? ▼
Most animator positions in Aberdeen 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.