Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Illinois
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Illinois earn a median of $81,180 a year, −20% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $81,180
- vs. U.S. median
- −20% ($102,030)
- Rank among states
- 15 of 31
- Jobs in the state
- 630
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,760; the top 10% earn over $136,710. Nationally the range is $58,600 to $177,110.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Graphic Designers$62,560 median in Illinois
- Film and Video Editors$72,460 median in Illinois
- Art Directors$103,550 median in Illinois
- Producers and Directors$81,080 median in Illinois
- Video Game Designers$85,710 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$53,850 median in Illinois
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in Illinois
How much do special effects artists and animators make in Illinois?
The median is $81,180 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,760 and the top 10% earn over $136,710. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for special effects artists and animators?
On pay alone it ranks 15 of 31 (−20% vs. the national median of $102,030). Living costs are not included.