Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $108,630/year ($52.23/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $165K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $103,045 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,922/month, or 28.7% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $109K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About special effects artists and animators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $109K.Top earners bring in $165K or more - a $100K 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $108,630 a year - that works out to about $52.23 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,850, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $165,040. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $109K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,319/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a special effects artists and animators salary go in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special effects artists and animators salary is worth about $103,045 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.