Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area earn a median of $69,300 a year ($33.32 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $51,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,950 for the top 10%. That is 32% lower than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 3% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $71,760. The average (mean) salary is $74,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Pittsburgh, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| 25th percentile | $57,490 | $27.64 |
| Median | $69,300 | $33.32 |
| 75th percentile | $82,280 | $39.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,950 | $49.98 |
| Average (mean) | $74,000 | $35.58 |
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 | $5,775 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,887.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,665.38 |
| Weekly | $1,332.69 |
| Hourly | $33.32 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $69,300 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 other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $76,770 | 100 |
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 Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $57,830 | $27.81 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,750 | $19.59 |
| Interior Designer | $60,380 | $29.03 |
| Floral Designer | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| Art Director | $96,420 | $46.36 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $84,760 | $40.75 |
| Fashion Designer | $53,950 | $25.94 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $44,130 | $21.22 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $55,910 | $26.88 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,500 | $24.28 |
| Producers and Directors | $65,640 | $31.56 |
| Editor | $62,710 | $30.15 |
| Photographer | $42,530 | $20.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Pittsburgh, PA
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 Pittsburgh, PA?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area is $69,300 a year, or $33.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $51,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,950 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Pittsburgh, PA metro area earn at least $103,950 a year. The top 25% earn $82,280 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Pittsburgh, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,290 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $57,490 or less.