Special effects artists and animators Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Special effects artists and animators in the United States is $102,030 per year — about $49 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $75,490 and $139,130 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Special effects artists and animators
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $156,950 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $134,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $136,770 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $122,880 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $109,320 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $124,590 |
| Reno, NV | $105,240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $118,750 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $101,730 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $92,340 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Special effects artists and animators make in the US?
The median salary is $102,030 per year (about $49 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $75,490 and $139,130 a year.
How much do Special effects artists and animators make per hour?
About $49 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $102,030 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Special effects artists and animators?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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