Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $91,290 a year ($43.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $67,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,580 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is about the same as the Colorado statewide median of $91,290. There are 0.09 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $95,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,310 | $32.36 |
| 25th percentile | $79,920 | $38.42 |
| Median | $91,290 | $43.89 |
| 75th percentile | $105,120 | $50.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $129,580 | $62.30 |
| Average (mean) | $95,660 | $45.99 |
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 | $7,607.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,803.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,511.15 |
| Weekly | $1,755.58 |
| Hourly | $43.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $91,290 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Interior Designer | $80,150 | $38.53 |
| Art Director | $99,990 | $48.07 |
| Floral Designer | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| Fashion Designer | $99,420 | $47.80 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $84,230 | $40.49 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $77,100 | $37.07 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $83,000 | $39.90 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $64,510 | $31.01 |
| Craft Artist | $53,680 | $25.81 |
| Designers, All Other | $69,620 | $33.47 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $82,930 | $39.87 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $91,290 a year, or $43.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $67,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $129,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $129,580 a year. The top 25% earn $105,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,310 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $79,920 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 140 special effects artists and animators are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.