Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Utah
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Utah earn a median of $88,210 a year ($42.41 an hour), based on BLS data for 320 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $152,720 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $102,030. Utah ranks 8th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.18 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $91,180, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Utah
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,990 | $14.42 |
| 25th percentile | $60,590 | $29.13 |
| Median | $88,210 | $42.41 |
| 75th percentile | $126,770 | $60.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $152,720 | $73.42 |
| Average (mean) | $91,180 | $43.84 |
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 | $7,350.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,675.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,392.69 |
| Weekly | $1,696.35 |
| Hourly | $42.41 |
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 Utah
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $101,730 | 170 |
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 Utah
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $62,310 | $29.96 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,930 | $19.20 |
| Interior Designer | $61,740 | $29.68 |
| Floral Designer | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $62,620 | $30.11 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $44,540 | $21.42 |
| Art Director | $106,500 | $51.20 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $43,190 | $20.77 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Designers, All Other | $55,920 | $26.89 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,680 | — |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,670 | $30.13 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,350 | $36.71 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Utah
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 Utah?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Utah is $88,210 a year, or $42.41 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $152,720 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Utah?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Utah earn at least $152,720 a year. The top 25% earn $126,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Utah?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,990 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $60,590 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Utah?
About 320 special effects artists and animators are employed in Utah, not counting the self-employed.