Creative & Education Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Animator Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median animator salary in Milwaukee, WI is $72,487 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$72,487
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,303
Cost of Living
92%

Animator Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median animator salary of $72,487, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $72,487. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee 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. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI

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

Animator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Animator in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Animator Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open animator positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Animator make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median animator salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,487, a animator in Milwaukee earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for animator pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median animator salary of $72,487 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $72,487. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $72,487 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Milwaukee? ▼
Most animator positions in Milwaukee 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.