National Salary Overview
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$73,605
Average (Mean)
$77,167
Employed Nationwide
27,750
Art Directors earns $16,111 more (21.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$89,716
$73,605
Average (Mean) Salary
$97,885
$77,167
Total Employment
48,410
27,750
States with Higher Pay
26
5
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 26 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 5.
| State | Art Directors | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $84,360 | $64,270 | +$20,090 | ||
| Arizona | $88,440 | $89,770 | $-1,330 | ||
| California | $130,610 | $130,460 | +$150 | ||
| Connecticut | $95,080 | $95,200 | $-120 | ||
| District of Columbia | $175,440 | $72,500 | +$102,940 | ||
| Florida | $92,000 | $62,280 | +$29,720 | ||
| Illinois | $102,050 | $78,300 | +$23,750 | ||
| Indiana | $82,050 | $56,350 | +$25,700 | ||
| Iowa | $79,820 | $42,550 | +$37,270 | ||
| Kansas | $72,600 | $87,550 | $-14,950 | ||
| Maryland | $93,240 | $84,800 | +$8,440 | ||
| Massachusetts | $107,130 | $81,840 | +$25,290 | ||
| Michigan | $86,360 | $64,780 | +$21,580 | ||
| Minnesota | $100,000 | $64,130 | +$35,870 | ||
| Missouri | $84,800 | $78,090 | +$6,710 | ||
| Nebraska | $67,270 | $55,010 | +$12,260 | ||
| Nevada | $74,330 | $95,030 | $-20,700 | ||
| New Mexico | $71,340 | $49,510 | +$21,830 | ||
| New York | $150,830 | $100,980 | +$49,850 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,790 | $76,390 | +$14,400 | ||
| Ohio | $91,700 | $61,130 | +$30,570 | ||
| Oklahoma | $69,990 | $59,990 | +$10,000 | ||
| Oregon | $119,120 | $94,620 | +$24,500 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $88,150 | $63,220 | +$24,930 | ||
| Rhode Island | $86,910 | $76,980 | +$9,930 | ||
| South Carolina | $82,720 | $51,380 | +$31,340 | ||
| Texas | $80,940 | $86,360 | $-5,420 | ||
| Utah | $67,120 | $58,540 | +$8,580 | ||
| Virginia | $93,340 | $77,010 | +$16,330 | ||
| Washington | $129,680 | $103,170 | +$26,510 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,540 | $64,170 | +$33,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Art Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators. The national median salary difference is $16,111 (21.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Special Effects Artists and Animators in 26 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $89,716 per year, compared to $73,605 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 48,410 Art Directors positions and 27,750 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Art Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Both Art Directors and Special Effects Artists and Animators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.