Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary in Illinois
Based on 630+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$81,180
$39.03/hr
vs National Average
$78,841
+3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $137K
630 employed in Illinois
Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in Illinois averages $81,180 per year, which is 3% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 630 workers in this creative field. Salaries in Illinois for this profession range from $60,760 at the lower end to $136,710 for experienced professionals, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Multimedia Artist and Animator salary in Illinois, including years of experience, specialized skills, and industry sector. Artists working in video game development, film production, or advertising agencies typically earn different rates than those in smaller studios or freelance positions. Education level, portfolio quality, and geographic location within Illinois also play important roles in determining earning potential in this competitive creative field.
Salary Distribution — Multimedia Artist and Animator in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,760 |
| 25th percentile | $67,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,180 |
| 75th percentile | $108,640 |
| 90th percentile | $136,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Multimedia Artist and Animator (U.S.)
Which industries pay Multimedia Artist and Animators the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Multimedia Artist and Animators in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $106,480 | 390 |
| Information | $106,430 | 11K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $97,300 | 30 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $93,350 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Multimedia Artist and Animator in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,740 |
| 2023 | $78,300 |
| 2024 | $74,850 |
| 2025 | $81,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,051 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,740 | $70,715 |
| 2023 | $78,300 | $73,605 |
| 2024 | $74,850 | $76,617 |
| 2025 | $81,180 | $78,841 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,051 | $83,571 |
Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,710 |
Multimedia Artist and Animator Salary in Other States
Related Multimedia Artist and Animator Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Multimedia Artist and Animator ($81,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Multimedia Artist and Animator | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IL | $171,730 | +111.5% | $82.56/hr |
| Database Administrator in IL | $142,500 | +75.5% | $68.51/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in IL | $136,540 | +68.2% | $65.64/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IL | $133,220 | +64.1% | $64.05/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IL | $132,790 | +63.6% | $63.84/hr |
| Software Developer in IL | $132,110 | +62.7% | $63.51/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IL | $124,180 | +53.0% | $59.70/hr |
| Statistician in IL | $119,760 | +47.5% | $57.58/hr |
| Data Scientist in IL | $106,560 | +31.3% | $51.23/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IL | $101,570 | +25.1% | $48.83/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | +23.3% | $48.12/hr |
| Software Engineer in IL | $99,360 | +22.4% | $47.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do multimedia artists and animators make in Illinois?
- The median salary for multimedia artists and animators in Illinois is $81,180 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 3.0% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for animators in Illinois?
- Multimedia artists and animators in Illinois earn between $60,760 and $136,710 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in entry-level versus senior positions in the field.
Is Illinois a good state for multimedia artist salaries?
- Yes, Illinois offers competitive compensation for multimedia artists and animators, with salaries averaging $81,180 annually—about 3.0% above the national average. With 630 professionals employed in the state, there is an established job market for this specialty.
What can a top multimedia animator expect to earn in Illinois?
- Top-earning multimedia artists and animators in Illinois can make up to $136,710 per year, which represents the upper end of the salary range in the state. This demonstrates strong earning potential for experienced professionals in senior or specialized roles.