Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Arizona
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Arizona earn a median of $89,650 a year ($43.10 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $59,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $102,030. Arizona ranks 6th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.06 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.45). The average (mean) salary is $84,890, close to the median.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Arizona
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,870 | $28.79 |
| 25th percentile | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| Median | $89,650 | $43.10 |
| 75th percentile | $100,230 | $48.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,230 | $48.19 |
| Average (mean) | $84,890 | $40.81 |
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 | $7,470.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,735.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,448.08 |
| Weekly | $1,724.04 |
| Hourly | $43.10 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in cities in Arizona
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $96,670 | 150 |
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.
Related jobs in Arizona
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $58,510 | $28.13 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,630 | $19.05 |
| Interior Designer | $61,460 | $29.55 |
| Floral Designer | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $76,420 | $36.74 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $46,280 | $22.25 |
| Craft Artist | $46,300 | $22.26 |
| Fashion Designer | $45,720 | $21.98 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,710 | $32.07 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,130 | — |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,320 | $32.36 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Arizona
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 Arizona?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Arizona is $89,650 a year, or $43.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $59,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Arizona?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Arizona earn at least $100,230 a year. The top 25% earn $100,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Arizona?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $59,870 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $65,810 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Arizona?
About 190 special effects artists and animators are employed in Arizona, not counting the self-employed.