Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Reno, NV
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Reno, NV metro area earn a median of $105,240 a year ($50.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $76,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,740 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $102,030. Pay here is 8% higher than the Nevada statewide median of $97,350. There are 0.33 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $106,380, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Reno, NV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,730 | $36.89 |
| 25th percentile | $80,400 | $38.65 |
| Median | $105,240 | $50.60 |
| 75th percentile | $119,030 | $57.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,740 | $71.99 |
| Average (mean) | $106,380 | $51.15 |
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 | $8,770 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,385 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,047.69 |
| Weekly | $2,023.85 |
| Hourly | $50.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $105,240 salary, see how much house you can afford in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $87,300 | 260 |
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 Nevada statewide figures.
Related jobs in Reno, NV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $41,990 | $20.19 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Floral Designer | $39,360 | $18.93 |
| Art Director | $94,650 | $45.50 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $96,060 | $46.18 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,620 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $75,840 | $36.46 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $52,300 | $25.15 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,720 | $30.16 |
| Photographer | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,060 | $29.84 |
| Broadcast Technician | $62,960 | $30.27 |
| Editor | $74,470 | $35.80 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $35.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Reno, NV
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 Reno, NV?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in the Reno, NV metro area is $105,240 a year, or $50.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Reno, NV?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in the Reno, NV metro area earn at least $149,740 a year. The top 25% earn $119,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Reno, NV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,730 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $80,400 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Reno, NV?
About 90 special effects artists and animators are employed in the Reno, NV metro area, not counting the self-employed.