Special Effects Artists and Animators Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for special effects artists and animators in the United States was $49.06, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $28.17 |
| 25th | $36.29 |
| Median | $49.06 |
| 75th | $66.89 |
| 90th | $85.15 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $49.06; the mean hourly wage is $54.27.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for special effects artists and animators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $28.17 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for special effects artists and animators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $85.15 per hour.