Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in New York
Special Effects Artists and Animators in New York earn a median of $96,770 a year ($46.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,540 workers.
Pay ranges from $60,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $176,190 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $102,030. New York ranks 4th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.16 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $110,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in New York
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,190 | $28.94 |
| 25th percentile | $76,420 | $36.74 |
| Median | $96,770 | $46.52 |
| 75th percentile | $136,840 | $65.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $176,190 | $84.71 |
| Average (mean) | $110,760 | $53.25 |
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 | $8,064.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,032.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,721.92 |
| Weekly | $1,860.96 |
| Hourly | $46.52 |
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 New York
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $96,760 | 1,560 |
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 New York
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $77,340 | $37.19 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,660 | $20.99 |
| Art Director | $137,320 | $66.02 |
| Fashion Designer | $98,640 | $47.42 |
| Interior Designer | $75,580 | $36.34 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $89,640 | $43.10 |
| Floral Designer | $45,260 | $21.76 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $78,870 | $37.92 |
| Designers, All Other | $86,030 | $41.36 |
| Craft Artist | $49,020 | $23.57 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,250 | $39.06 |
| Producers and Directors | $107,550 | $51.71 |
| Editor | $101,480 | $48.79 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,920 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in New York
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 New York?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in New York is $96,770 a year, or $46.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $60,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $176,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in New York?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in New York earn at least $176,190 a year. The top 25% earn $136,840 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in New York?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $60,190 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $76,420 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in New York?
About 1,540 special effects artists and animators are employed in New York, not counting the self-employed.