Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $76,330 -23.5% vs national
Median hourly $36.70
10th percentile $63,580
90th percentile $113,500
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $63,580
    25th
    $63,590
    50th (median)
    $76,330
    75th
    $84,820
    90th
    $113,500

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 86% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 14% below 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
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $108,630
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $80,170
    Huntsville, AL $77,640
    Illinois $74,850
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $73,590

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $47,770
    Graphic Designers $62,490
    Public Relations Specialists $63,910
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,640
    Editors $71,600
    Producers and Directors $78,490

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Chicago, IL-IN is $36.70, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.74 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 23.5% below 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 Chicago?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $63,580 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $63,590.