Special Effects Artists and Animators Pay Range in District of Columbia
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$98,079
- 25th Percentile — Junior$134,106
- 50th Percentile — Median$155,086
- 75th Percentile — Senior$215,166
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$247,670
Half of Special Effects Artists and Animators in District of Columbia earn more than $155,086. The top 10% make $247,670 or more, while entry-level workers start around $98,079.
Special Effects Artists and Animators in District of Columbia: Key Facts
Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living
- District of Columbia ranks 2nd of 51 states for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay, at $171,562 per year (52.0% above the U.S. average of $112,870).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $98,079; the top 10% earn over $247,670.
- Hourly equivalent: $82.48 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $174,948.
- Among creative jobs in District of Columbia, Art Directors pays the most ($196,749).
Special Effects Artists and Animators Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation
District of Columbia's key industries are Government, Finance, Technology, and its job market is rated very strong. Special Effects Artists and Animators here earn $171,562 on average, placing the state 2nd nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.52 (U.S. = 1.00), a District of Columbia salary of $171,562 is roughly equivalent to $112,870 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Hawaii ($174,948), Alaska ($148,988), New Jersey ($144,474) are the closest alternatives for Special Effects Artists and Animators weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Creative Jobs in District of Columbia
Related career salary benchmarks
- Art Directors $196,749/yr District of Columbia +14.7% vs this role
- News Analysts Reporters and Journalists $174,360/yr District of Columbia +1.6% vs this role
- Fashion Designers $138,670/yr District of Columbia 19.2% vs this role
- Writers and Authors $128,890/yr District of Columbia 24.9% vs this role
- Public Relations Specialists $120,200/yr District of Columbia 29.9% vs this role
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $119,654/yr District of Columbia 30.3% vs this role
- Producers and Directors $115,040/yr District of Columbia 32.9% vs this role
- Editors $109,290/yr District of Columbia 36.3% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in District of Columbia?
The average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in District of Columbia is $171,562 per year (median $155,086), which is 52.0% above the national average of $112,870.
How does District of Columbia rank for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay?
District of Columbia ranks 2nd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($174,948/yr).
How much do entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators make in District of Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% of Special Effects Artists and Animators in District of Columbia earn about $98,079 per year and the 25th percentile is $134,106.
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make per hour in District of Columbia?
About $82.48 per hour, based on the $171,562 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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