Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Indiana
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Indiana earn a median of $75,250 a year ($36.18 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,920 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,090 for the top 10%. That is 26% lower than the national median of $102,030. Indiana ranks 19th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.09 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $73,530, close to the median.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Indiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,920 | $24.48 |
| 25th percentile | $54,640 | $26.27 |
| Median | $75,250 | $36.18 |
| 75th percentile | $93,090 | $44.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,090 | $44.76 |
| Average (mean) | $73,530 | $35.35 |
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 | $6,270.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,135.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,894.23 |
| Weekly | $1,447.12 |
| Hourly | $36.18 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $75,250 salary, see how much house you can afford in Indiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in cities in Indiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $83,200 | 550 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $67,710 | 30 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $50,960 | 30 |
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.
Related jobs in Indiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $55,480 | $26.67 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,510 | $17.56 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,040 | $42.33 |
| Interior Designer | $62,580 | $30.09 |
| Floral Designer | $36,280 | $17.44 |
| Art Director | $105,690 | $50.81 |
| Fashion Designer | $40,740 | $19.59 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $65,530 | $31.50 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $72,200 | $34.71 |
| Designers, All Other | $66,580 | $32.01 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,480 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,900 | $31.20 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,870 | $28.79 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,870 | $23.98 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Indiana
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 Indiana?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Indiana is $75,250 a year, or $36.18 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,920 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Indiana?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Indiana earn at least $93,090 a year. The top 25% earn $93,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Indiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,920 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $54,640 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Indiana?
About 300 special effects artists and animators are employed in Indiana, not counting the self-employed.