Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Pennsylvania
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Pennsylvania earn a median of $71,760 a year ($34.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,940 for the top 10%. That is 30% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pennsylvania ranks 20th 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 0.39). The average (mean) salary is $74,780, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Pennsylvania
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,680 | $23.89 |
| 25th percentile | $57,490 | $27.64 |
| Median | $71,760 | $34.50 |
| 75th percentile | $93,410 | $44.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,940 | $49.97 |
| Average (mean) | $74,780 | $35.95 |
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 | $5,980 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,990 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,760 |
| Weekly | $1,380 |
| Hourly | $34.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $71,760 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in cities in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $76,770 | 100 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $69,300 | 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.
Related jobs in Pennsylvania
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Floral Designer | $35,920 | $17.27 |
| Interior Designer | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| Art Director | $97,450 | $46.85 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $82,610 | $39.72 |
| Fashion Designer | $63,840 | $30.69 |
| Craft Artist | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $59,670 | $28.69 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $86,260 | $41.47 |
| Designers, All Other | $72,760 | $34.98 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $54,270 | $26.09 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,460 | $27.62 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,730 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Pennsylvania is $71,760 a year, or $34.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,940 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Pennsylvania?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Pennsylvania earn at least $103,940 a year. The top 25% earn $93,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,680 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $57,490 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Pennsylvania?
About 300 special effects artists and animators are employed in Pennsylvania, not counting the self-employed.