Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Utah (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Utah, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Utah Median
$88,210
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.41
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $102,030
State Rank
#8 of 31
320 employed here

How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in Utah?

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Utah take home a median of $88,210 annually — roughly $42.41 an hour — which runs 14% below the national median of $102,030.

Within Utah, entry-level pay starts around $29,990 while the top 10% make $152,720 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $60,590 and $126,770 a year.

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary range in Utah

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$29,990$14.42
25th percentile (early career)$60,590$29.13
50th percentile (median)$88,210$42.41
75th percentile (experienced)$126,770$60.95
90th percentile (top earners)$152,720$73.42

How Utah compares

Utah ranks 8th out of 31 states and territories for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$133,480
2California$130,540
3Nevada$97,350
4New York$96,770
5Colorado$91,290

Working as Special Effects Artists and Animators in Utah

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 Utah pay ($88,210) 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 Utah?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Utah is $88,210 per year, or about $42.41 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $29,990 at the entry level to $152,720 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Utah pay compare to the national average?
Utah pays Special Effects Artists and Animators about 14% less than the national median of $102,030. Utah ranks 8th out of 31 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Utah a good state for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $88,210 a year. About 320 Special Effects Artists and Animators are employed in Utah. 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 Utah?
The highest-paying occupations in Utah include Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($437,170), Radiologist ($417,250), General Internal Medicine Physician ($331,720), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Special Effects Artists and Animators salary report

Related salaries

Fashion Designer

$80,960
median pay · 21,000 employed

Designer, All Other

$64,950
median pay · 9,000 employed

Interior Designer

$67,190
median pay · 72,000 employed

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

$71,240
median pay · 7,000 employed

Set and Exhibit Designers

$75,240
median pay · 11,000 employed

Music Directors and Composers

$73,710
median pay · 13,000 employed
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.