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Fashion Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Fashion Designers

Median Salary
$70,579
Average (Mean)
$77,542
Employed Nationwide
11,780
VS

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
Special Effects Artists and Animators earns $8,261 more (11.7%)
Fashion Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Fashion DesignersFashion DesignersFashion Designers: $70,579$70,579Special Effects Artists and AnimatorsSpecial Effects Artists and …Special Effects Artists and Animators: $78,841$78,841

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $70,579 $78,840
Average (Mean) Salary $77,542 $84,643
Total Employment 11,780 16,290
States with Higher Pay 5 12

Salary by State: Fashion Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators

Showing 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. Fashion Designers pays more in 5 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 12.

State Fashion Designers Special Effects Artists and Animators Difference
Arizona $45,720
$89,650
$-43,930
Colorado $94,140
$91,290
+$2,850
Florida $43,020
$85,870
$-42,850
Georgia $78,340
$81,390
$-3,050
Indiana $40,740
$75,250
$-34,510
Kansas $59,150
$62,720
$-3,570
Massachusetts $103,520
$80,640
+$22,880
Michigan $63,430
$86,630
$-23,200
Minnesota $42,110
$64,990
$-22,880
New York $98,640
$96,770
+$1,870
North Carolina $74,990
$88,350
$-13,360
Ohio $82,050
$67,000
+$15,050
Pennsylvania $63,840
$71,760
$-7,920
Texas $40,040
$78,930
$-38,890
Virginia $94,120
$81,510
+$12,610
Washington $82,030
$133,480
$-51,450
Wisconsin $57,030
$64,890
$-7,860

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Fashion Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Fashion Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
On average across all states, a Special Effects Artists and Animators earns more than a Fashion Designers. The national median salary difference is $8,261 (11.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Fashion Designers earn more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators?
A Fashion Designers earns a higher median salary than a Special Effects Artists and Animators in 5 out of 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Fashion Designers vs Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The national median salary for a Fashion Designers is $70,579 per year, compared to $78,840 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Fashion Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
There are more people employed as Special Effects Artists and Animators. BLS reports approximately 11,780 Fashion Designers positions and 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Fashion Designers or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Both Fashion 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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