Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in Illinois
In Illinois, the median pay for special effects artists and animators is $39.03 an hour ($81,180 a year). About 630 people work in this job there.
That is 20% lower than the U.S. median ($102,030). Illinois ranks 15th of 31 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Illinois
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $29.21 | $60,760 |
| 25% of workers | $32.32 | $67,230 |
| Half of workers (median) | $39.03 | $81,180 |
| 75% of workers | $52.23 | $108,640 |
| 90% of workers | $65.73 | $136,710 |
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $83,200 | 550 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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 Illinois
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $62,560 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,080 |
| Art Directors | $103,550 |
| Photographers | $36,570 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $85,710 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | $49,450 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,270 |
| Interior Designers | $76,290 |
Other job titles for this job
Open special effects artists and animators jobs on JAI Bot
No open jobs in this field right now. Search all jobs or set up a free job alert.
Hiring special effects artists and animators? Use the free hiring guide for a job description and interview questions, then post the job on JAI Bot. Every job shows typical pay to job seekers.
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.