Animator Salary in Mitchell, SD: $64,608 (2026)

Animator Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median animator salary of $64,608, which is $4,727 below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $64,608 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for animators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for animators in Mitchell spans from $37,720 at the 10th percentile to $111,520 at the 90th percentile — a $73,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,600. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Animator Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level animator earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,360

$-8,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$65,600

$-14,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$106,600

$-23,400 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$37,720	$40,480	$46,000
25th Percentile	$49,200	$52,800	$60,000
Median (50th)	$64,608	$69,335	$78,790
75th Percentile	$86,100	$92,400	$105,000
90th Percentile	$111,520	$119,680	$136,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$37,720

25th Percentile

$49,200

Median (50th)

$64,608

75th Percentile

$86,100

90th Percentile

$111,520

How to Become a Animator in Mitchell

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Mitchell

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

The median animator salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $64,608 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $37,720 (10th percentile) to $111,520 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $64,608, a animator in Mitchell earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Mitchell's median animator salary of $64,608 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $69,335. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

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

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $64,608 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most animator positions in Mitchell 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 Mitchell, South Dakota