Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in the United States
In the U.S., the median pay for special effects artists and animators is $49.06 an hour ($102,030 a year). About 19,970 people work in this job there.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in the U.S.
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $28.17 | $58,600 |
| 25% of workers | $36.29 | $75,490 |
| Half of workers (median) | $49.06 | $102,030 |
| 75% of workers | $66.89 | $139,130 |
| 90% of workers | $85.15 | $177,110 |
Best-paying states for special effects artists and animators
| State | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $133,480 | 1,130 |
| California | $130,540 | 7,410 |
| Nevada | $97,350 | 370 |
| New York | $96,770 | 1,540 |
| Colorado | $91,290 | 210 |
| Arizona | $89,650 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $88,350 | 370 |
| Utah | $88,210 | 320 |
| Michigan | $86,630 | 230 |
| Florida | $85,870 | 1,530 |
Pay by state
- California · $130,540
- Florida · $85,870
- Illinois · $81,180
- New York · $96,770
- Washington · $133,480
Education, experience and outlook for special effects artists and animators
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: -0.3% over ten years, little or no change · about 4,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $62,960 |
| Producers and Directors | $90,360 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $104,000 |
| Art Directors | $114,850 |
| Photographers | $44,660 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $83,910 |
| Film and Video Editors | $75,420 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | $48,690 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.