New York Median
$96,770
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.52
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $102,030
State Rank
#4 of 31
1,540 employed here
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in New York?
Special Effects Artists and Animators in New York take home a median of $96,770 annually — roughly $46.52 an hour — which runs 5% below the national median of $102,030.
Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $60,190 while the top 10% make $176,190 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,420 and $136,840 a year.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary range in New York
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,190 | $28.94 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $76,420 | $36.74 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $96,770 | $46.52 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $136,840 | $65.79 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $176,190 | $84.71 |
|
How New York compares
New York ranks 4th out of 31 states and territories for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in other states
Washington $133,480California $130,540Nevada $97,350Colorado $91,290Arizona $89,650North Carolina $88,350Utah $88,210Michigan $86,630Florida $85,870Maryland $85,830Tennessee $83,080Virginia $81,510Georgia $81,390Illinois $81,180Massachusetts $80,640Rhode Island $80,040Texas $78,930Indiana $75,250Pennsylvania $71,760Ohio $67,000Oklahoma $66,980Missouri $65,470Minnesota $64,990Wisconsin $64,890Kansas $62,720West Virginia $60,940New Mexico $54,000Kentucky $50,970Nebraska $50,830Iowa $47,530
Working as Special Effects Artists and Animators in New York
Nationally, about 20,000 people work as Special Effects Artists and Animators in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare New York pay ($96,770) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in New York?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in New York is $96,770 per year, or about $46.52 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $60,190 at the entry level to $176,190 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Special Effects Artists and Animators about 5% less than the national median of $102,030. New York ranks 4th out of 31 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $96,770 a year. About 1,540 Special Effects Artists and Animators are employed in New York. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Special Effects Artists and Animators salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.