Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Iowa
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Iowa earn a median of $47,530 a year ($22.85 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $39,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,000 for the top 10%. That is 53% lower than the national median of $102,030. Iowa ranks 31st of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. The average (mean) salary is $59,740, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,300 | $18.89 |
| 25th percentile | $42,580 | $20.47 |
| Median | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| 75th percentile | $60,980 | $29.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,000 | $50.00 |
| Average (mean) | $59,740 | $28.72 |
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 | $3,960.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,980.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,828.08 |
| Weekly | $914.04 |
| Hourly | $22.85 |
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 Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $53,280 | 40 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $50,310 | $24.19 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Interior Designer | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,420 | $33.85 |
| Floral Designer | $35,340 | $16.99 |
| Art Director | $80,940 | $38.92 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $39,550 | $19.01 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,350 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,970 | $30.27 |
| Editor | $57,200 | $27.50 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,550 | $28.15 |
| Technical Writer | $66,520 | $31.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,540 | $20.93 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Iowa is $47,530 a year, or $22.85 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $104,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Iowa?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Iowa earn at least $104,000 a year. The top 25% earn $60,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,300 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $42,580 or less.