Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Richmond, VA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Richmond, VA

Median annual salary $68,110 -31.8% vs national
Median hourly $32.75
10th percentile $57,390
90th percentile $98,920
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
Richmond, VA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,390
    25th
    $61,440
    50th (median)
    $68,110
    75th
    $96,110
    90th
    $98,920

    Richmond economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,405 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 81% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 19% 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
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $158,070
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $108,630
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $86,740
    Nevada $86,290
    Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $63,630
    Pennsylvania $60,390

    Related occupations in Richmond, VA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $72,070
    Coaches and Scouts $46,540
    Graphic Designers $63,450
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $37,630
    Audio and Video Technicians $52,630
    Interior Designers $65,030

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Richmond, VA is $32.75, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.17 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Richmond, VA is 31.8% 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 Richmond?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $57,390 per year in Richmond, VA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,440.