Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Washington
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington earn a median of $133,480 a year ($64.17 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,130 workers.
Pay ranges from $65,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $209,400 for the top 10%. That is 31% higher than the national median of $102,030. Washington ranks 1st of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.32 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $141,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Washington
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,270 | $31.38 |
| 25th percentile | $100,550 | $48.34 |
| Median | $133,480 | $64.17 |
| 75th percentile | $174,990 | $84.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $209,400 | $100.67 |
| Average (mean) | $141,450 | $68.01 |
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 | $11,123.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,561.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,133.85 |
| Weekly | $2,566.92 |
| Hourly | $64.17 |
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 Washington
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $134,120 | 1,030 |
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 Washington
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $72,710 | $34.96 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $48,780 | $23.45 |
| Interior Designer | $76,570 | $36.81 |
| Floral Designer | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| Art Director | $121,170 | $58.25 |
| Designers, All Other | $57,510 | $27.65 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $72,430 | $34.82 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $94,280 | $45.33 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $77,230 | $37.13 |
| Craft Artist | $44,120 | $21.21 |
| Fashion Designer | $82,030 | $39.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,030 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $87,470 | $42.05 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,550 | $39.21 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Washington
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 Washington?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Washington is $133,480 a year, or $64.17 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $209,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Washington?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Washington earn at least $209,400 a year. The top 25% earn $174,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Washington?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,270 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $100,550 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Washington?
About 1,130 special effects artists and animators are employed in Washington, not counting the self-employed.