Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Kentucky
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Kentucky earn a median of $50,970 a year ($24.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,930 for the top 10%. That is 50% lower than the national median of $102,030. Kentucky ranks 29th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.02 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.16). The average (mean) salary is $61,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,700 | $21.49 |
| 25th percentile | $45,490 | $21.87 |
| Median | $50,970 | $24.51 |
| 75th percentile | $73,990 | $35.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $89,930 | $43.24 |
| Average (mean) | $61,110 | $29.38 |
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 | $4,247.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,123.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,960.38 |
| Weekly | $980.19 |
| Hourly | $24.51 |
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 Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $67,710 | 30 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $50,960 | 30 |
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 Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,960 | $25.46 |
| Interior Designer | $59,240 | $28.48 |
| Floral Designer | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $76,100 | $36.59 |
| Art Director | $76,160 | $36.61 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $48,050 | $23.10 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $53,260 | $25.61 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $35,570 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Producers and Directors | $54,550 | $26.23 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Editor | $59,430 | $28.57 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,590 | $25.77 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Kentucky is $50,970 a year, or $24.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $89,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Kentucky earn at least $89,930 a year. The top 25% earn $73,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,700 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $45,490 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Kentucky?
About 40 special effects artists and animators are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.