Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Massachusetts
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Massachusetts earn a median of $80,640 a year ($38.77 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $57,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,820 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $102,030. Massachusetts ranks 16th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. The average (mean) salary is $84,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,900 | $27.84 |
| 25th percentile | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Median | $80,640 | $38.77 |
| 75th percentile | $98,370 | $47.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,820 | $52.80 |
| Average (mean) | $84,280 | $40.52 |
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 | $6,720 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,360 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,101.54 |
| Weekly | $1,550.77 |
| Hourly | $38.77 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $80,640 | n/a |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $80,040 | n/a |
| Worcester, MA | $76,970 | n/a |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,290 | $20.81 |
| Art Director | $149,320 | $71.79 |
| Interior Designer | $80,110 | $38.52 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $101,720 | $48.90 |
| Floral Designer | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Fashion Designer | $103,520 | $49.77 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $74,540 | $35.84 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $94,890 | $45.62 |
| Craft Artist | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $79,660 | $38.30 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $55,130 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $80,970 | $38.93 |
| Editor | $83,170 | $39.99 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Massachusetts is $80,640 a year, or $38.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $109,820 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Massachusetts earn at least $109,820 a year. The top 25% earn $98,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,900 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $63,090 or less.