Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in U.S. is $99,800/year ($47.98/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $175K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $100K get you in U.S.?
About special effects artists and animators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $175K or more - a $117K spread from bottom to top.
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $128K | +29% | 7,690 |
| New Jersey | $124K | +25% | 160 |
| Oregon | $109K | +9% | 470 |
| New York | $102K | +2% | 1,820 |
| Texas | $89K | -11% | N/A |
| Nevada | $86K | -14% | 420 |
| Ohio | $84K | -16% | 290 |
| Kansas | $83K | -17% | N/A |
| Maryland | $82K | -18% | 370 |
| Tennessee | $82K | -18% | N/A |
| Michigan | $81K | -19% | 330 |
| Virginia | $79K | -21% | 260 |
| Georgia | $79K | -21% | 860 |
| Louisiana | $77K | -23% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $77K | -23% | 270 |
Track special effects artists and animators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in U.S.?
The median is $99,800 a year - that works out to about $47.98 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,220, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $174,630. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,550/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 21.6% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $99,800 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.