Washington Median
$133,480
per year
Hourly Rate
$64.17
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+31% vs US median
US median $102,030
State Rank
#1 of 31
1,130 employed here
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in Washington?
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington take home a median of $133,480 annually — roughly $64.17 an hour — which runs 31% above the national median of $102,030.
Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $65,270 while the top 10% make $209,400 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $100,550 and $174,990 a year.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary range in Washington
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,270 | $31.38 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $100,550 | $48.34 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $133,480 | $64.17 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $174,990 | $84.13 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $209,400 | $100.67 |
|
How Washington compares
Washington ranks 1st 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
California $130,540Nevada $97,350New York $96,770Colorado $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 Washington
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 Washington pay ($133,480) 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 Washington?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Washington is $133,480 per year, or about $64.17 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,270 at the entry level to $209,400 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Special Effects Artists and Animators about 31% more than the national median of $102,030. Washington ranks 1st out of 31 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $133,480 a year. About 1,130 Special Effects Artists and Animators are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), 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.