Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $142,690 +43% vs national
Median hourly $68.60
10th percentile $74,460
90th percentile $221,690
Employed locally 2,160
National median $99,800

Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators salary & buying power

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
Seattle, WA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $74,460
    25th
    $103,180
    50th (median)
    $142,690
    75th
    $176,930
    90th
    $221,690

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 127% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 27% 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
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $129,260
    California $128,360
    New Jersey $124,300
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $120,320
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470

    Nearby metros — Special Effects Artists and Animators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $108,630
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $103,940
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $92,720
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $86,740
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $77,390
    Providence-Warwick, RI-MA $76,180

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $48,010
    Public Relations Specialists $92,060
    Graphic Designers $82,630
    Editors $87,330
    Producers and Directors $81,030
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $46,630

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Seattle, WA is $68.60, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $101.13 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Seattle, WA is 43% 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $74,460 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $103,180.