The average salary for a special effects artists and animator in the United States is $109,630, but the range typically falls between $71,570 and $133,400. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $52.71, with a range between $34.41 and $64.13.
There are approximately 29,940 people employed as a special effects artists and animator in the United States. With California, Washington, New York employing the highest number of special effects artists and animators.The state with the best pay for a special effects artists and animator is California, with an average annual salary of $133,610, while Iowa has the lowest average annual salary of $47,350.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $57,090 | $27.45 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,570 | $34.41 |
| Median | $99,060 | $47.63 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,400 | $64.13 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,580 | $81.53 |
The salary of a special effects artists and animator can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a special effects artists and animator in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for special effects artists and animators are California, Washington, New York, Connecticut, Nevada while the worst states are Iowa, New Mexico, South Carolina, West Virginia, Louisiana.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,830 | $66,900 | $96,360 |
| Arizona | $49,830 | $80,150 | $91,870 |
| California | $75,920 | $133,610 | $194,100 |
| Colorado | $36,160 | $86,520 | $145,600 |
| Connecticut | $73,190 | $90,400 | $102,290 |
| District of Columbia | $48,050 | $75,150 | $103,610 |
| Florida | $48,480 | $72,180 | $99,730 |
| Georgia | $52,990 | $76,850 | $123,020 |
| Illinois | $60,410 | $79,510 | $123,350 |
| Indiana | $35,300 | $60,680 | $87,270 |
| Iowa | $24,320 | $47,350 | $69,500 |
| Kansas | $48,870 | $74,690 | $90,990 |
| Louisiana | $39,500 | $62,550 | $113,410 |
| Maryland | $64,680 | $94,650 | $130,980 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 | $87,550 | $132,980 |
| Michigan | $43,400 | $72,280 | $113,640 |
| Minnesota | $53,320 | $66,270 | $72,910 |
| Missouri | $62,680 | $79,740 | $105,730 |
| Nebraska | $29,180 | $63,700 | $114,960 |
| Nevada | $61,670 | $92,080 | $132,340 |
| New Mexico | $46,090 | $60,590 | $91,740 |
| New York | $44,670 | $115,670 | $200,510 |
| North Carolina | $47,180 | $76,200 | $117,560 |
| Ohio | $38,470 | $68,920 | $130,000 |
| Oklahoma | $54,930 | $59,150 | $60,580 |
| Oregon | $59,480 | $93,840 | $144,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,150 | $63,840 | $100,130 |
| Rhode Island | $53,560 | $73,330 | $76,980 |
| South Carolina | $46,380 | $57,040 | $70,170 |
| Texas | $55,980 | $88,810 | $123,120 |
| Utah | $40,280 | $63,850 | $94,080 |
| Virginia | $49,920 | $77,870 | $105,790 |
| Washington | $62,260 | $115,890 | $175,230 |
| West Virginia | $48,190 | $53,960 | $64,860 |
| Wisconsin | $46,020 | $69,080 | $118,230 |
Even between cities, the salary of a special effects artists and animator can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for special effects artists and animators is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area, CA with an average salary of $151,840.The city with the lowest average salary for special effects artists and animators is Provo-Orem area, UT with an average salary of $53,460.
Areas with highest average salaries for special effects artists and animators
Areas with lowest average salaries for special effects artists and animators
The number of special effects artists and animators in the United States has been increasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of special effects artists and animators has increased by 3,480. On average, the number of special effects artists and animators has been increasing by 3.3% each year. The salary of special effects artists and animators has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of special effects artists and animators has increased by $21,550. On average, the salary of special effects artists and animators has been increasing by 6.1% each year.
Special Effects Artists and Animators are part of the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for special effects artists and animators compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations jobs here.
$74,100 per year
$87,140 per year
$86,950 per year
$62,462 per year
$107,432 per year
$58,700 per year
