Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Wisconsin Median
$64,890
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.20
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-36% vs US median
US median $102,030
State Rank
#25 of 31
210 employed here

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

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Wisconsin take home a median of $64,890 annually — roughly $31.20 an hour — which runs 36% below the national median of $102,030.

Within Wisconsin, entry-level pay starts around $53,270 while the top 10% make $154,340 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $56,670 and $91,050 a year.

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary range in Wisconsin

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$53,270$25.61
25th percentile (early career)$56,670$27.25
50th percentile (median)$64,890$31.20
75th percentile (experienced)$91,050$43.77
90th percentile (top earners)$154,340$74.20

How Wisconsin compares

Wisconsin ranks 25th 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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin pay ($64,890) 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 Wisconsin?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Wisconsin is $64,890 per year, or about $31.20 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $53,270 at the entry level to $154,340 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Wisconsin pay compare to the national average?
Wisconsin pays Special Effects Artists and Animators about 36% less than the national median of $102,030. Wisconsin ranks 25th out of 31 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Wisconsin a good state for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $64,890 a year. About 210 Special Effects Artists and Animators are employed in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
The highest-paying occupations in Wisconsin include Cardiologist ($636,580), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($572,060), Anesthesiologist ($443,990), 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.