Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $69,820 a year ($33.57 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $59,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,530 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 7% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $65,470. The average (mean) salary is $73,620, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| 25th percentile | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Median | $69,820 | $33.57 |
| 75th percentile | $85,730 | $41.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,530 | $49.29 |
| Average (mean) | $73,620 | $35.39 |
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 | $5,818.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,909.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,685.38 |
| Weekly | $1,342.69 |
| Hourly | $33.57 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $69,820 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $75,820 | 50 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Floral Designer | $35,950 | $17.29 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,450 | $38.68 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| Fashion Designer | $59,150 | $28.44 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $47,630 | $22.90 |
| Art Director | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,100 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $37,650 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,470 | $31.96 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,300 | $24.18 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $69,820 a year, or $33.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $59,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $102,530 a year. The top 25% earn $85,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $59,000 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $59,000 or less.