Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area earn a median of $79,390 a year ($38.17 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $57,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $183,190 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 1% higher than the Texas statewide median of $78,930. The average (mean) salary is $97,490, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,480 | $27.64 |
| 25th percentile | $62,670 | $30.13 |
| Median | $79,390 | $38.17 |
| 75th percentile | $125,260 | $60.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $183,190 | $88.07 |
| Average (mean) | $97,490 | $46.87 |
Half of special effects artists and animators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,615.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,307.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,053.46 |
| Weekly | $1,526.73 |
| Hourly | $38.17 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in Texas at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $82,570 | n/a |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $77,690 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for special effects artists and animators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $133,480 |
| California | $130,540 |
| Nevada | $97,350 |
| New York | $96,770 |
| Colorado | $91,290 |
| Arizona | $89,650 |
| North Carolina | $88,350 |
| Utah | $88,210 |
| Michigan | $86,630 |
| Florida | $85,870 |
See Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in every state or the Texas statewide figures.
Related jobs in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $63,780 | $30.66 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Art Director | $87,810 | $42.22 |
| Floral Designer | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $86,920 | $41.79 |
| Fashion Designer | $63,210 | $30.39 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $49,650 | $23.87 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $67,240 | $32.33 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $56,930 | $27.37 |
| Designers, All Other | $52,390 | $25.19 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $69,280 | $33.31 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,320 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $77,260 | $37.15 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1014. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special effects artists and animators make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area is $79,390 a year, or $38.17 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $183,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area earn at least $183,190 a year. The top 25% earn $125,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,480 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $62,670 or less.