National Salary Overview
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Median Salary
$81,843
Average (Mean)
$86,563
Employed Nationwide
29,980
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
Commercial and Industrial Designers earns $3,002 more (3.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,843
$78,840
Average (Mean) Salary
$86,563
$84,643
Total Employment
29,980
16,290
States with Higher Pay
18
11
Salary by State: Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 18 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 11.
| State | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $76,420 | $89,650 | $-13,230 | ||
| California | $100,770 | $130,540 | $-29,770 | ||
| Colorado | $90,590 | $91,290 | $-700 | ||
| Florida | $78,720 | $85,870 | $-7,150 | ||
| Georgia | $91,360 | $81,390 | +$9,970 | ||
| Indiana | $88,040 | $75,250 | +$12,790 | ||
| Iowa | $70,420 | $47,530 | +$22,890 | ||
| Kansas | $104,870 | $62,720 | +$42,150 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,100 | $50,970 | +$25,130 | ||
| Maryland | $70,870 | $85,830 | $-14,960 | ||
| Massachusetts | $101,720 | $80,640 | +$21,080 | ||
| Michigan | $102,160 | $86,630 | +$15,530 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,370 | $64,990 | +$29,380 | ||
| Missouri | $75,440 | $65,470 | +$9,970 | ||
| Nebraska | $71,570 | $50,830 | +$20,740 | ||
| Nevada | $76,680 | $97,350 | $-20,670 | ||
| New Mexico | $62,710 | $54,000 | +$8,710 | ||
| New York | $89,640 | $96,770 | $-7,130 | ||
| North Carolina | $80,620 | $88,350 | $-7,730 | ||
| Ohio | $79,470 | $67,000 | +$12,470 | ||
| Oklahoma | $76,640 | $66,980 | +$9,660 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,610 | $71,760 | +$10,850 | ||
| Rhode Island | $101,140 | $80,040 | +$21,100 | ||
| Tennessee | $71,230 | $83,080 | $-11,850 | ||
| Utah | $62,620 | $88,210 | $-25,590 | ||
| Virginia | $82,230 | $81,510 | +$720 | ||
| Washington | $94,280 | $133,480 | $-39,200 | ||
| West Virginia | $73,030 | $60,940 | +$12,090 | ||
| Wisconsin | $80,590 | $64,890 | +$15,700 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
On average across all states, a Commercial and Industrial Designers earns more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators. The national median salary difference is $3,002 (3.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial and Industrial Designers earn more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators?
A Commercial and Industrial Designers earns a higher median salary than a Special Effects Artists and Animators in 18 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The national median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers is $81,843 per year, compared to $78,840 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
There are more people employed as Commercial and Industrial Designers. BLS reports approximately 29,980 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions and 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Commercial and Industrial Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Both Commercial and Industrial Designers 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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