Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $103,940 +4.1% vs national
Median hourly $49.97
10th percentile $59,990
90th percentile $171,880
Employed locally 1,750
National median $99,800

Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators salary & buying power

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $59,990
    25th
    $75,680
    50th (median)
    $103,940
    75th
    $145,160
    90th
    $171,880

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 107% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 7% 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
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $158,070

    Related occupations in New York, NY-NJ

    OccupationMedian salary
    Producers and Directors $106,730
    Public Relations Specialists $79,990
    Editors $99,220
    Graphic Designers $75,850
    Coaches and Scouts $58,400
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $43,490

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in New York, NY-NJ is $49.97, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $84.61 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in New York, NY-NJ is 4.1% 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 New York?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $59,990 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,680.