Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Virginia
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia earn a median of $81,510 a year ($39.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $138,210 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $102,030. Virginia ranks 13th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.09 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $89,750, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Virginia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| 25th percentile | $66,920 | $32.18 |
| Median | $81,510 | $39.19 |
| 75th percentile | $110,180 | $52.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $138,210 | $66.45 |
| Average (mean) | $89,750 | $43.15 |
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 | $6,792.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,396.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,135 |
| Weekly | $1,567.50 |
| Hourly | $39.19 |
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 Virginia
| 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 |
| Richmond, VA | $76,380 | 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 Virginia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $72,310 | $34.77 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Interior Designer | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $82,230 | $39.53 |
| Floral Designer | $37,350 | $17.96 |
| Art Director | $101,150 | $48.63 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $47,930 | $23.04 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $111,530 | $53.62 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $58,650 | $28.20 |
| Fashion Designer | $94,120 | $45.25 |
| Designers, All Other | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,380 | $38.65 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,290 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $65,900 | $31.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Virginia
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 Virginia?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Virginia is $81,510 a year, or $39.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $138,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Virginia?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Virginia earn at least $138,210 a year. The top 25% earn $110,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Virginia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,140 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $66,920 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Virginia?
About 380 special effects artists and animators are employed in Virginia, not counting the self-employed.