Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Austin, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

Median annual salary $100,630 +0.8% vs national
Median hourly $48.38
10th percentile $57,230
90th percentile $142,950
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
Austin, TX
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,230
    25th
    $79,260
    50th (median)
    $100,630
    75th
    $140,750
    90th
    $142,950

    Austin economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,638 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 103% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 3% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Special Effects Artists and Animators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $158,070
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $142,690
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $129,260
    California $128,360
    New Jersey $124,300
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $120,320

    Nearby metros — Special Effects Artists and Animators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $83,940
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $79,390

    Related occupations in Austin, TX

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $64,380
    Graphic Designers $61,040
    Coaches and Scouts $34,680
    Producers and Directors $73,540
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,160
    Interior Designers $61,860

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make per hour in Austin?

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Austin, TX is $48.38, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $72.11 or more per hour.

    Is Austin above or below average for Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries?

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Austin, TX is 0.8% above the national median of $99,800. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Austin?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $57,230 per year in Austin, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,260.