Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Michigan
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Michigan earn a median of $86,630 a year ($41.65 an hour), based on BLS data for 230 workers.
Pay ranges from $54,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $194,550 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $102,030. Michigan ranks 9th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.05 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.40). The average (mean) salary is $103,090, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $54,260 | $26.09 |
| 25th percentile | $68,590 | $32.98 |
| Median | $86,630 | $41.65 |
| 75th percentile | $121,830 | $58.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $194,550 | $93.53 |
| Average (mean) | $103,090 | $49.56 |
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 | $7,219.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,609.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,331.92 |
| Weekly | $1,665.96 |
| Hourly | $41.65 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $86,630 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in cities in Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $83,530 | 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.
Related jobs in Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Interior Designer | $59,340 | $28.53 |
| Floral Designer | $35,890 | $17.25 |
| Art Director | $86,660 | $41.66 |
| Craft Artist | $25,960 | $12.48 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $63,830 | $30.69 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $38,650 | $18.58 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $50,910 | $24.48 |
| Fashion Designer | $63,430 | $30.50 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Producers and Directors | $65,720 | $31.60 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Michigan is $86,630 a year, or $41.65 an hour. Pay ranges from $54,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $194,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Michigan?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Michigan earn at least $194,550 a year. The top 25% earn $121,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $54,260 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $68,590 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Michigan?
About 230 special effects artists and animators are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.