Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Rhode Island
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Rhode Island earn a median of $80,040 a year ($38.48 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $45,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,060 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $102,030. Rhode Island ranks 17th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. The average (mean) salary is $74,170, close to the median.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,810 | $22.03 |
| 25th percentile | $48,640 | $23.39 |
| Median | $80,040 | $38.48 |
| 75th percentile | $84,510 | $40.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,060 | $47.62 |
| Average (mean) | $74,170 | $35.66 |
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 | $6,670 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,335 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,078.46 |
| Weekly | $1,539.23 |
| Hourly | $38.48 |
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 Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $80,040 | 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 Rhode Island
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $78,220 | $37.61 |
| Interior Designer | $58,100 | $27.93 |
| Floral Designer | $36,420 | $17.51 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $101,140 | $48.62 |
| Art Director | $72,550 | $34.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,630 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $77,540 | $37.28 |
| Producers and Directors | $84,250 | $40.51 |
| Editor | $77,960 | $37.48 |
| Photographer | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $82,320 | $39.58 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $64,070 | $30.80 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $74,570 | $35.85 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Rhode Island is $80,040 a year, or $38.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Rhode Island earn at least $99,060 a year. The top 25% earn $84,510 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,810 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $48,640 or less.