Animator Salary in Brookings, SD: $67,759 (2026)

Animator Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median animator salary of $67,759, which is $1,576 below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $67,759 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Brookings spans from $39,560 at the 10th percentile to $116,960 at the 90th percentile — a $77,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,800. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level animator earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$111,800

$-18,200 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$39,560	$40,480	$46,000
25th Percentile	$51,600	$52,800	$60,000
Median (50th)	$67,759	$69,335	$78,790
75th Percentile	$90,300	$92,400	$105,000
90th Percentile	$116,960	$119,680	$136,000

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$39,560

25th Percentile

$51,600

Median (50th)

$67,759

75th Percentile

$90,300

90th Percentile

$116,960

How to Become a Animator in Brookings

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Animator make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median animator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $67,759 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $39,560 (10th percentile) to $116,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Animator make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,759, a animator in Brookings earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼

Brookings's median animator salary of $67,759 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $67,759 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Brookings? ▼

Most animator positions in Brookings 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.

Animator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota