Fortune 500 hub (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth). Here's how Animators in Minneapolis get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Minneapolis metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $71,900 | $54,600 | $93,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $89,400 | $67,900 | $116,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $102,800 | $78,100 | $133,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $123,300 | $93,700 | $160,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $139,800 | $106,200 | $181,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Animators — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Minneapolis metro economy.
The average Animator salary in the Minneapolis metro is $102,800 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $78,100 to $133,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $169,600 or more.
Yes — Minneapolis pays +3% relative to the Minnesota state median for Animators. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Minneapolis vs. national: +11%. That puts Minneapolis among the stronger US markets for Animators — though cost of living in Minneapolis is also typically elevated.
In Minneapolis, the median Animator salary of $102,800 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Animators in Minneapolis start around $71,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $123,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
Get my personal salary report →