Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area earn a median of $109,320 a year ($52.56 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $57,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,660 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 24% higher than the North Carolina statewide median of $88,350. The average (mean) salary is $99,130, close to the median.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,820 | $27.80 |
| 25th percentile | $91,220 | $43.86 |
| Median | $109,320 | $52.56 |
| 75th percentile | $109,320 | $52.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,660 | $59.94 |
| Average (mean) | $99,130 | $47.66 |
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 | $9,110 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,555 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,204.62 |
| Weekly | $2,102.31 |
| Hourly | $52.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $109,320 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $92,340 | n/a |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $79,360 | 100 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $78,430 | 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 North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $63,580 | $30.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,080 | $18.79 |
| Interior Designer | $61,670 | $29.65 |
| Art Director | $93,740 | $45.07 |
| Floral Designer | $35,930 | $17.28 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,190 | $42.40 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,970 | $37.01 |
| Technical Writer | $94,520 | $45.44 |
| Producers and Directors | $69,820 | $33.57 |
| Editor | $80,410 | $38.66 |
| Photographer | $36,670 | $17.63 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,940 | $24.01 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $51,990 | $25.00 |
| Writers and Authors | $84,130 | $40.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area is $109,320 a year, or $52.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area earn at least $124,660 a year. The top 25% earn $109,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,820 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $91,220 or less.