Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $73,590 -26.3% vs national
Median hourly $35.38
10th percentile $49,230
90th percentile $107,470
Employed locally 40
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
    $49,230
    25th
    $53,630
    50th (median)
    $73,590
    75th
    $77,350
    90th
    $107,470

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 82% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 18% 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
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $92,720
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $83,940
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $82,790
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $61,790
    Pittsburgh, PA $48,990

    Related occupations in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $64,380
    Coaches and Scouts $48,610
    Graphic Designers $61,190
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,580
    Producers and Directors $78,430
    Editors $77,220

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $35.38, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.16 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 26.3% 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 Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $49,230 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $53,630.