National Salary Overview
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
Art Directors earns $16,097 more (20.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$94,938
$78,840
Average (Mean) Salary
$104,011
$84,643
Total Employment
49,580
16,290
States with Higher Pay
26
3
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 26 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 3.
| State | Art Directors | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $137,780 | $130,540 | +$7,240 | ||
| Colorado | $99,990 | $91,290 | +$8,700 | ||
| Florida | $99,660 | $85,870 | +$13,790 | ||
| Georgia | $110,430 | $81,390 | +$29,040 | ||
| Illinois | $103,550 | $81,180 | +$22,370 | ||
| Indiana | $105,690 | $75,250 | +$30,440 | ||
| Iowa | $80,940 | $47,530 | +$33,410 | ||
| Kansas | $60,460 | $62,720 | $-2,260 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,160 | $50,970 | +$25,190 | ||
| Maryland | $98,400 | $85,830 | +$12,570 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,320 | $80,640 | +$68,680 | ||
| Michigan | $86,660 | $86,630 | +$30 | ||
| Minnesota | $109,700 | $64,990 | +$44,710 | ||
| Missouri | $100,940 | $65,470 | +$35,470 | ||
| Nebraska | $73,270 | $50,830 | +$22,440 | ||
| Nevada | $98,070 | $97,350 | +$720 | ||
| New York | $137,320 | $96,770 | +$40,550 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,000 | $88,350 | +$1,650 | ||
| Ohio | $94,390 | $67,000 | +$27,390 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,680 | $66,980 | +$13,700 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,450 | $71,760 | +$25,690 | ||
| Rhode Island | $72,550 | $80,040 | $-7,490 | ||
| Tennessee | $89,860 | $83,080 | +$6,780 | ||
| Texas | $88,270 | $78,930 | +$9,340 | ||
| Utah | $106,500 | $88,210 | +$18,290 | ||
| Virginia | $101,150 | $81,510 | +$19,640 | ||
| Washington | $121,170 | $133,480 | $-12,310 | ||
| West Virginia | $63,550 | $60,940 | +$2,610 | ||
| Wisconsin | $81,130 | $64,890 | +$16,240 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $16,097 (20.4%) based on 2025 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 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 3 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 $94,938 per year, compared to $78,840 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2025 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 49,580 Art Directors positions and 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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