Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary by State
The national median pay for special effects artists and animators is $102,030 a year. By state, it ranges from $47,530 in Iowa to $133,480 in Washington.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $58,600
- 25th percentile
- $75,490
- Median
- $102,030
- 75th percentile
- $139,130
- Top 10%
- $177,110
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 19,970 jobs.
Median pay in 31 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $133,480 | +31% | $65,270 | $209,400 | 1,130 |
| 2 | California | $130,540 | +28% | $71,710 | $206,160 | 7,410 |
| 3 | Nevada | $97,350 | −5% | $72,720 | $129,470 | 370 |
| 4 | New York | $96,770 | −5% | $60,190 | $176,190 | 1,540 |
| 5 | Colorado | $91,290 | −11% | $57,350 | $124,990 | 210 |
| 6 | Arizona | $89,650 | −12% | $59,870 | $100,230 | 190 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $88,350 | −13% | $53,790 | $120,150 | 370 |
| 8 | Utah | $88,210 | −14% | $29,990 | $152,720 | 320 |
| 9 | Michigan | $86,630 | −15% | $54,260 | $194,550 | 230 |
| 10 | Florida | $85,870 | −16% | $71,140 | $114,920 | 1,530 |
| 11 | Maryland | $85,830 | −16% | $52,710 | $110,750 | 170 |
| 12 | Tennessee | $83,080 | −19% | $60,320 | $170,300 | 90 |
| 13 | Virginia | $81,510 | −20% | $47,140 | $138,210 | 380 |
| 14 | Georgia | $81,390 | −20% | $40,000 | $106,120 | 350 |
| 15 | Illinois | $81,180 | −20% | $60,760 | $136,710 | 630 |
| 16 | Massachusetts | $80,640 | −21% | $57,900 | $109,820 | Not published |
| 17 | Rhode Island | $80,040 | −22% | $45,810 | $99,060 | Not published |
| 18 | Texas | $78,930 | −23% | $56,020 | $150,000 | Not published |
| 19 | Indiana | $75,250 | −26% | $50,920 | $93,090 | 300 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $71,760 | −30% | $49,680 | $103,940 | 300 |
| 21 | Ohio | $67,000 | −34% | $45,310 | $166,260 | 200 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $66,980 | −34% | $50,820 | $77,860 | Not published |
| 23 | Missouri | $65,470 | −36% | $48,020 | $103,740 | 80 |
| 24 | Minnesota | $64,990 | −36% | $62,070 | $77,990 | 30 |
| 25 | Wisconsin | $64,890 | −36% | $53,270 | $154,340 | 210 |
| 26 | Kansas | $62,720 | −39% | $56,470 | $102,530 | Not published |
| 27 | West Virginia | $60,940 | −40% | $50,860 | $77,740 | 40 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $54,000 | −47% | $52,070 | $82,180 | 80 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $50,970 | −50% | $44,700 | $89,930 | 40 |
| 30 | Nebraska | $50,830 | −50% | $43,340 | $80,520 | 90 |
| 31 | Iowa | $47,530 | −53% | $39,300 | $104,000 | Not published |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary questions
Which state pays special effects artists and animators the most?
Washington, with a median of $133,480 a year (+31% vs. the national median of $102,030). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays special effects artists and animators the least?
Iowa, with a median of $47,530 a year (−53% vs. national).
Where do most special effects artists and animators work?
California has the most jobs, about 7,410, with a median of $130,540.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.