Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Missouri
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Missouri earn a median of $65,470 a year ($31.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,740 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $102,030. Missouri ranks 23rd of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.03 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.21). The average (mean) salary is $74,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| 25th percentile | $59,160 | $28.44 |
| Median | $65,470 | $31.48 |
| 75th percentile | $77,570 | $37.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,740 | $49.88 |
| Average (mean) | $74,600 | $35.86 |
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 | $5,455.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,727.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,518.08 |
| Weekly | $1,259.04 |
| Hourly | $31.48 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $75,820 | 50 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $69,820 | 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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $56,750 | $27.28 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| Floral Designer | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| Interior Designer | $59,610 | $28.66 |
| Art Director | $100,940 | $48.53 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $51,610 | $24.81 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $75,440 | $36.27 |
| Craft Artist | $61,780 | $29.70 |
| Designers, All Other | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $49,820 | $23.95 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $63,130 | $30.35 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,130 | $29.39 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,790 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,460 | $31.95 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Missouri is $65,470 a year, or $31.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Missouri?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Missouri earn at least $103,740 a year. The top 25% earn $77,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,020 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $59,160 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Missouri?
About 80 special effects artists and animators are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.