Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary (2025)
Based on 19,970 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $58,600 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $75,490 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $102,030 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $139,130 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $177,110 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$59K
25th
$75K
Median
$102K
75th
$139K
90th
$177K
Highest Paying States for Special Effects Artists and Animators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Washington | $141,450 |
| California | $134,360 |
| New York | $110,760 |
| Michigan | $103,090 |
| Nevada | $97,610 |
| Texas | $94,660 |
| Florida | $93,850 |
| Colorado | $93,080 |
| Illinois | $92,680 |
| Ohio | $92,130 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Washington at an average of $141,450 per year, while Ohio has an average of $92,130 — a difference of $49,320. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Special Effects Artists and Animators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19,970 workers were employed as Special Effects Artists and Animatorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations. The annual mean wage of $112,870 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 27-1014