Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $96,670 a year ($46.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $65,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 8% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $89,650. There are 0.06 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.48). The average (mean) salary is $87,360, close to the median.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| 25th percentile | $65,810 | $31.64 |
| Median | $96,670 | $46.48 |
| 75th percentile | $100,230 | $48.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,230 | $48.19 |
| Average (mean) | $87,360 | $42.00 |
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 | $8,055.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,027.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,718.08 |
| Weekly | $1,859.04 |
| Hourly | $46.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $96,670 salary, see how much house you can afford in Arizona at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Floral Designer | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,440 | $38.67 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $68,970 | $33.16 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $46,280 | $22.25 |
| Craft Artist | $46,300 | $22.26 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $96,670 a year, or $46.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,230 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $100,230 a year. The top 25% earn $100,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,810 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $65,810 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 150 special effects artists and animators are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.