Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Illinois
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in Illinois is $74,850/year ($35.98/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $64K at the entry level to $105K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Illinois. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $75K get you in Illinois?
About special effects artists and animators
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $64K. Mid-career wages sit at $75K. Top earners bring in $105K or more, a $41K spread from bottom to top.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by metro in Illinois
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $76K | +2% | N/A |
Compare to other states
Track special effects artists and animators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in Illinois?
The median is $74,850 a year, that works out to about $36 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $63,580, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $105,000. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $75K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,778/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month, which eats 29.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a special effects artists and animators salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special effects artists and animators salary is worth about $79,755 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special effects artists and animators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.