Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $86,740 -13.1% vs national
Median hourly $41.70
10th percentile $58,910
90th percentile $124,800
Employed locally 210
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
    $58,910
    25th
    $74,850
    50th (median)
    $86,740
    75th
    $105,490
    90th
    $124,800

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 70% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 30% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $95,370
    Editors $80,990
    Graphic Designers $82,360
    Producers and Directors $96,530
    Coaches and Scouts $54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $99,730

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $41.70, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $66.45 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.1% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $58,910 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $74,850.