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Animator Salary in Rochester, MN

How much does a animator make in Rochester? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Rochester's cost of living.

Median Salary
$85,255
per year in Rochester
Entry Level
$50,150
Starting salary
Senior Level
$122,867
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how animator salaries break down across different pay periods in Rochester.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,150$85,255$122,867
Monthly$4,179$7,105$10,239
Biweekly$1,929$3,279$4,726
Weekly$964$1,640$2,363
Hourly$24$41$59

Rochester vs National Average

How Rochester's animator salaries compare to national figures.

Rochester Salary
$85,255
COL Index: 111
National Average
$75,300
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$9,955
Higher in Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
126,417
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rochester have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Animator

Overview

Create animations for films, television, and digital media.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Key Skills

Animation Software3D ModelingMotion GraphicsStorytelling

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Animator Salary

See Animator salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$103,940
+22%
Los Angeles, CA
$129,260
+52%
Chicago, IL
$76,330
-10%
Houston, TX
$83,940
-2%
Phoenix, AZ
$77,670
-9%

Explore Related Data for Rochester & MN

Dig deeper into the numbers behind a animator salary in Rochester — cost of living, take-home pay, affordability, taxes, and retirement projections all in one place.

Cost of living in Rochester

Full breakdown of expenses, rent, and local purchasing power.

Take-home pay on $85,000 in MN

Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.

What you can afford on $90,000 in MN

Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.

Tax brackets on $85,000 in MN

See exactly which brackets your income falls into.

Animator salary across all of MN

State-level salary data beyond just Rochester.

$350,000 mortgage in MN

Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest for a typical home at this income.

Retirement at 30 earning $90,000

Projections, savings benchmarks, and how to stay on track.

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a animator salary in Rochester.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Rochester.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Rochester.

Animator Salary in Rochester, MN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a animator in Rochester, MN is $85,255 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rochester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level animator professionals in Rochester can expect to earn around $50,150 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level animators earning approximately $122,867 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rochester's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rochester are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $75,300, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a animator's salary in Rochester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 22.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Animators are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In Rochester, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.