Creative & Education Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Animator Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median animator salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$80,366
vs State Avg
+$3,940
vs National
+$1,576
Cost of Living
102%

Animator Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median animator salary of $80,366, which is $3,940 above the Utah state average of $76,426. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City's cost of living is 102% 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 Salt Lake City spans from $46,920 at the 10th percentile to $138,720 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Animator Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, an entry-level animator earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
10th Percentile $46,920
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $80,366
75th Percentile $107,100
90th Percentile $138,720

Animator Salary in Other Utah Cities

How to Become a Animator in Salt Lake City

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Salt Lake City

Browse open animator positions in Salt Lake City, UT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Animator make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median animator salary in Salt Lake City, Utah is $80,366 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $46,920 (10th percentile) to $138,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,366, a animator in Salt Lake City earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for animator pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median animator salary of $80,366 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $76,426. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $80,366 in Salt Lake City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Salt Lake City? ▼
Most animator positions in Salt Lake City 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.