Producers and Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Producers and Directors

Median Salary
$64,908
Average (Mean)
$76,210
Employed Nationwide
153,690
VS

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median Salary
$73,605
Average (Mean)
$77,167
Employed Nationwide
27,750
Special Effects Artists and Animators earns $8,696 more (13.4%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $64,908 $73,605
Average (Mean) Salary $76,210 $77,167
Total Employment 153,690 27,750
States with Higher Pay 11 23

Salary by State: Producers and Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators

Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Producers and Directors pays more in 11 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 23.

State Producers and Directors Special Effects Artists and Animators Difference
Alabama $54,160
$64,270
$-10,110
Arizona $56,010
$89,770
$-33,760
California $105,080
$130,460
$-25,380
Colorado $74,960
$72,490
+$2,470
Connecticut $84,460
$95,200
$-10,740
District of Columbia $97,730
$72,500
+$25,230
Florida $76,780
$62,280
+$14,500
Georgia $76,630
$71,570
+$5,060
Illinois $75,350
$78,300
$-2,950
Indiana $47,560
$56,350
$-8,790
Iowa $51,140
$42,550
+$8,590
Kansas $55,060
$87,550
$-32,490
Louisiana $55,800
$53,780
+$2,020
Maryland $75,920
$84,800
$-8,880
Massachusetts $70,060
$81,840
$-11,780
Michigan $58,530
$64,780
$-6,250
Minnesota $65,250
$64,130
+$1,120
Missouri $63,600
$78,090
$-14,490
Nebraska $53,620
$55,010
$-1,390
Nevada $78,970
$95,030
$-16,060
New York $103,260
$100,980
+$2,280
North Carolina $60,590
$76,390
$-15,800
Ohio $58,230
$61,130
$-2,900
Oklahoma $51,020
$59,990
$-8,970
Oregon $75,620
$94,620
$-19,000
Pennsylvania $64,120
$63,220
+$900
Rhode Island $75,970
$76,980
$-1,010
South Carolina $57,380
$51,380
+$6,000
Texas $61,830
$86,360
$-24,530
Utah $66,480
$58,540
+$7,940
Virginia $61,500
$77,010
$-15,510
Washington $78,330
$103,170
$-24,840
West Virginia $39,000
$51,990
$-12,990
Wisconsin $59,710
$64,170
$-4,460

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Producers and Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
On average across all states, a Special Effects Artists and Animators earns more than a Producers and Directors. The national median salary difference is $8,696 (13.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Producers and Directors earn more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators?
A Producers and Directors earns a higher median salary than a Special Effects Artists and Animators in 11 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Producers and Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The national median salary for a Producers and Directors is $64,908 per year, compared to $73,605 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Producers and Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
There are more people employed as Producers and Directors. BLS reports approximately 153,690 Producers and Directors positions and 27,750 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Producers and Directors or Special Effects Artists and Animators?
Both Producers and 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.