Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Colorado
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Colorado earn a median of $91,290 a year ($43.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,990 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $102,030. Colorado ranks 5th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.07 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $93,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| 25th percentile | $77,570 | $37.30 |
| Median | $91,290 | $43.89 |
| 75th percentile | $105,120 | $50.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,990 | $60.09 |
| Average (mean) | $93,080 | $44.75 |
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 | $7,607.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,803.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,511.15 |
| Weekly | $1,755.58 |
| Hourly | $43.89 |
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 Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $91,290 | 140 |
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 Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $66,330 | $31.89 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,230 | $20.78 |
| Interior Designer | $78,390 | $37.69 |
| Floral Designer | $45,380 | $21.82 |
| Art Director | $99,990 | $48.07 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $90,590 | $43.55 |
| Fashion Designer | $94,140 | $45.26 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $51,910 | $24.96 |
| Designers, All Other | $65,630 | $31.55 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $69,860 | $33.59 |
| Craft Artist | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,680 | $38.79 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $78,060 | $37.53 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Colorado is $91,290 a year, or $43.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,350 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Colorado?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Colorado earn at least $124,990 a year. The top 25% earn $105,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,350 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $77,570 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Colorado?
About 210 special effects artists and animators are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.