Estimate · based on BLS national data

Special Effects Artists and Animators in South Dakota

$98,197 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$47.21 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average22nd 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$98,197per year
Median$88,766per year
Hourly$47.21per hour
10th – 90th percentile$56,137 – $141,759per year

Special Effects Artists and Animators Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$56,137
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$76,758
  • 50th Percentile — Median$88,766
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$123,155
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$141,759

Half of Special Effects Artists and Animators in South Dakota earn more than $88,766. The top 10% make $141,759 or more, while entry-level workers start around $56,137.

Special Effects Artists and Animators in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 22nd of 51 states for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay, at $98,197 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $112,870).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,137; the top 10% earn over $141,759.
  • Hourly equivalent: $47.21 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $174,948.
  • Among creative jobs in South Dakota, Fashion Designers pays the most ($79,370).

Special Effects Artists and Animators Job Market in South Dakota

Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota's key industries are Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Special Effects Artists and Animators here earn $98,197 on average, placing the state 22nd nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $98,197 is roughly equivalent to $112,870 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Michigan ($103,090), Louisiana ($99,326), South Carolina ($99,326) 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 South Dakota?

The average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in South Dakota is $98,197 per year (median $88,766), which is 13.0% below the national average of $112,870.

How does South Dakota rank for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay?

South Dakota ranks 22nd 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 South Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Special Effects Artists and Animators in South Dakota earn about $56,137 per year and the 25th percentile is $76,758.

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

About $47.21 per hour, based on the $98,197 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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