Estimate · based on BLS national data

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Montana

$107,226 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$51.55 per hour

▼ 5.0% below U.S. average14th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$107,226per year
Median$96,928per year
Hourly$51.55per hour
10th – 90th percentile$61,299 – $154,794per year

Special Effects Artists and Animators Pay Range in Montana

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$61,299
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$83,816
  • 50th Percentile — Median$96,928
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$134,479
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$154,794

Half of Special Effects Artists and Animators in Montana earn more than $96,928. The top 10% make $154,794 or more, while entry-level workers start around $61,299.

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Montana: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • Montana ranks 14th of 51 states for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay, at $107,226 per year (5.0% below the U.S. average of $112,870).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $61,299; the top 10% earn over $154,794.
  • Hourly equivalent: $51.55 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $174,948.
  • Among creative jobs in Montana, Fashion Designers pays the most ($86,668).

Special Effects Artists and Animators Job Market in Montana

Key factors affecting compensation

Montana's key industries are Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, and its job market is rated moderate. Special Effects Artists and Animators here earn $107,226 on average, placing the state 14th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.95 (U.S. = 1.00), a Montana salary of $107,226 is roughly equivalent to $112,869 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Vermont ($121,900), Delaware ($118,514), Maine ($115,127) 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

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Montana?

The average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Montana is $107,226 per year (median $96,928), which is 5.0% below the national average of $112,870.

How does Montana rank for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay?

Montana ranks 14th 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 Montana?

The lowest-paid 10% of Special Effects Artists and Animators in Montana earn about $61,299 per year and the 25th percentile is $83,816.

How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make per hour in Montana?

About $51.55 per hour, based on the $107,226 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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