Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Wisconsin
Special Effects Artists and Animators in Wisconsin earn a median of $64,890 a year ($31.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $53,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $154,340 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $102,030. Wisconsin ranks 25th of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. There are 0.07 special effects artists and animators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.55). The average (mean) salary is $81,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in Wisconsin
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $53,270 | $25.61 |
| 25th percentile | $56,670 | $27.25 |
| Median | $64,890 | $31.20 |
| 75th percentile | $91,050 | $43.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $154,340 | $74.20 |
| Average (mean) | $81,240 | $39.06 |
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 | $5,407.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,703.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,495.77 |
| Weekly | $1,247.88 |
| Hourly | $31.20 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,890 salary, see how much house you can afford in Wisconsin 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.
Related jobs in Wisconsin
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $59,900 | $28.80 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,510 | $19.00 |
| Interior Designer | $62,740 | $30.17 |
| Floral Designer | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,590 | $38.75 |
| Art Director | $81,130 | $39.00 |
| Craft Artist | $58,650 | $28.20 |
| Fashion Designer | $57,030 | $27.42 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $53,350 | $25.65 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,800 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,240 | $32.33 |
| Producers and Directors | $66,390 | $31.92 |
| Editor | $64,270 | $30.90 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $63,390 | $30.48 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
The median salary for special effects artists and animators in Wisconsin is $64,890 a year, or $31.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $53,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $154,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special effects artists and animators make in Wisconsin?
The top 10% of special effects artists and animators in Wisconsin earn at least $154,340 a year. The top 25% earn $91,050 or more.
What is the starting pay for special effects artists and animators in Wisconsin?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $53,270 a year, and a quarter of special effects artists and animators earn $56,670 or less.
How many special effects artists and animators work in Wisconsin?
About 210 special effects artists and animators are employed in Wisconsin, not counting the self-employed.