Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Cleveland, OH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Cleveland, OH

Median annual salary $62,370 -37.5% vs national
Median hourly $29.99
10th percentile $56,190
90th percentile $79,000
Employed locally 30
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
Cleveland, OH
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,190
    25th
    $61,820
    50th (median)
    $62,370
    75th
    $63,970
    90th
    $79,000

    Cleveland economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,507 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 91% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 9% 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
    Ohio $83,530
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $67,710

    Related occupations in Cleveland, OH

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $39,110
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $37,040
    Graphic Designers $52,530
    Public Relations Specialists $64,010
    Photographers $30,710
    Interior Designers $59,230

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Cleveland, OH is $29.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.98 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Cleveland, OH is 37.5% 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 Cleveland?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $56,190 per year in Cleveland, OH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,820.