Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Richmond, VA
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Richmond, VA metro area earn a median of $76,380 a year ($36.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,310 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 6% lower than the Virginia statewide median of $81,510. There are 0.05 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.36). The average (mean) salary is $82,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Richmond, VA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| 25th percentile | $57,780 | $27.78 |
| Median | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| 75th percentile | $110,150 | $52.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $129,310 | $62.17 |
| Average (mean) | $82,000 | $39.43 |
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 | $6,365 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,182.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,937.69 |
| Weekly | $1,468.85 |
| Hourly | $36.72 |
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 other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $92,760 | 290 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $78,430 | 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 or the Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Richmond, VA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Interior Designer | $58,790 | $28.27 |
| Art Director | $99,610 | $47.89 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $89,360 | $42.96 |
| Floral Designer | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $62,000 | $29.81 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $75,730 | $36.41 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,490 | $26.68 |
| Editor | $70,380 | $33.84 |
| Photographer | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| Writers and Authors | $74,300 | $35.72 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Richmond, VA
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 Richmond, VA?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Richmond, VA metro area is $76,380 a year, or $36.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Richmond, VA?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Richmond, VA metro area earn at least $129,310 a year. The top 25% earn $110,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Richmond, VA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,140 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $57,780 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Richmond, VA?
About 30 special effects artists and animators are employed in the Richmond, VA metro area, not counting the self-employed.