Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Top skills:Active ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay by experience level
Entry level$60,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$78,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$105,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$144,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$183,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+1.6%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
5,000
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by industry
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
5,980 workers
$120,500
Motion Picture and Video Industries
5,910 workers
$120,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
4,560 workers
$103,500
Publishing Industries
4,070 workers
$134,500
Software Publishers
3,920 workers
$137,000
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
2,020 workers
$111,000
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
1,170 workers
$114,000
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
1,010 workers
$94,500
Specialized Design Services
930 workers
$100,500
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
770 workers
$95,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Special Effects Artists and Animators make?
The average base salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in the United States is $117,000 per year, or about $56.25 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $78,000 and $144,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Special Effects Artists and Animators pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
