Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Ohio
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Ohio earn a median of $67,000 a year ($32.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $166,260 for the top 10%. That is 34% lower than the national median of $102,030. Ohio ranks 21st of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.04 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.28). The average (mean) salary is $92,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Ohio
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,310 | $21.79 |
| 25th percentile | $62,160 | $29.89 |
| Median | $67,000 | $32.21 |
| 75th percentile | $156,170 | $75.08 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $166,260 | $79.93 |
| Average (mean) | $92,130 | $44.29 |
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 | $5,583.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,791.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,576.92 |
| Weekly | $1,288.46 |
| Hourly | $32.21 |
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 Ohio
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $67,710 | 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 Ohio
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $60,080 | $28.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| Interior Designer | $61,410 | $29.52 |
| Floral Designer | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $79,470 | $38.21 |
| Art Director | $94,390 | $45.38 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $31,780 | $15.28 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $54,560 | $26.23 |
| Craft Artist | $38,070 | $18.30 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $82,280 | $39.56 |
| Fashion Designer | $82,050 | $39.45 |
| Designers, All Other | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,530 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,840 | $31.18 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ohio
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 Ohio?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Ohio is $67,000 a year, or $32.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $166,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Ohio?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Ohio earn at least $166,260 a year. The top 25% earn $156,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Ohio?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,310 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $62,160 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Ohio?
About 200 special effects artists and animators are employed in Ohio, not counting the self-employed.