Creative & Education Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Animator Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median animator salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$72,487
vs State Avg
+$3,152
vs National
$-6,303
Cost of Living
92%

Animator Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median animator salary of $72,487, which is $3,152 above the South Dakota state average of $69,335. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% 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 Sioux Falls spans from $42,320 at the 10th percentile to $125,120 at the 90th percentile — a $82,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,600. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level animator earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,600
$-10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $42,320
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $72,487
75th Percentile $96,600
90th Percentile $125,120

Animator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Animator in Sioux Falls

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open animator positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Animator make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median animator salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $42,320 (10th percentile) to $125,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,487, a animator in Sioux Falls earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for animator pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median animator salary of $72,487 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $69,335. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $72,487 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most animator positions in Sioux Falls 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.