Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Albuquerque, NM
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $54,000 a year ($25.96 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,180 for the top 10%. That is 47% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is about the same as the New Mexico statewide median of $54,000. There are 0.14 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $60,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,790 | $25.38 |
| 25th percentile | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| Median | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| 75th percentile | $54,010 | $25.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,180 | $39.51 |
| Average (mean) | $60,670 | $29.17 |
Half of special effects artists and animators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,500 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,250 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,076.92 |
| Weekly | $1,038.46 |
| Hourly | $25.96 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for special effects artists and animators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $133,480 |
| California | $130,540 |
| Nevada | $97,350 |
| New York | $96,770 |
| Colorado | $91,290 |
| Arizona | $89,650 |
| North Carolina | $88,350 |
| Utah | $88,210 |
| Michigan | $86,630 |
| Florida | $85,870 |
See Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $63,810 | $30.68 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Floral Designer | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| Interior Designer | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,640 | $35.40 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,380 | — |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,230 | $36.17 |
| Technical Writer | $86,790 | $41.72 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $50,860 | $24.45 |
| Editor | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| Photographer | $48,090 | $23.12 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1014. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special effects artists and animators make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $54,000 a year, or $25.96 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $82,180 a year. The top 25% earn $54,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,790 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $54,000 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 50 special effects artists and animators are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.