Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI

Median annual salary $61,050 -38.8% vs national
Median hourly $29.35
10th percentile $40,230
90th percentile $115,590
Employed locally 30
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
Grand Rapids, MI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $40,230
    25th
    $44,970
    50th (median)
    $61,050
    75th
    $83,580
    90th
    $115,590

    Grand Rapids economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,296 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 76% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 24% 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
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $82,790
    Michigan $80,780
    Ann Arbor, MI $79,510
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $77,390
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $73,590
    Missouri $72,320

    Related occupations in Grand Rapids, MI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $40,140
    Public Relations Specialists $58,020
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,210
    Graphic Designers $56,350
    Floral Designers $34,000
    Commercial and Industrial Designers $77,730

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Grand Rapids, MI is $29.35, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $55.57 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Grand Rapids, MI is 38.8% 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 Grand Rapids?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $40,230 per year in Grand Rapids, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,970.