National Salary Overview
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
Special Effects Artists and Animators earns $8,123 more (11.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$70,717
$78,840
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,845
$84,643
Total Employment
142,630
16,290
States with Higher Pay
11
19
Salary by State: Producers and Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators
Showing 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. Producers and Directors pays more in 11 states; Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 19.
| State | Producers and Directors | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $67,320 | $89,650 | $-22,330 | ||
| California | $129,790 | $130,540 | $-750 | ||
| Colorado | $78,060 | $91,290 | $-13,230 | ||
| Florida | $79,920 | $85,870 | $-5,950 | ||
| Georgia | $79,950 | $81,390 | $-1,440 | ||
| Illinois | $81,080 | $81,180 | $-100 | ||
| Indiana | $59,870 | $75,250 | $-15,380 | ||
| Iowa | $58,550 | $47,530 | +$11,020 | ||
| Kansas | $60,600 | $62,720 | $-2,120 | ||
| Kentucky | $54,550 | $50,970 | +$3,580 | ||
| Maryland | $79,350 | $85,830 | $-6,480 | ||
| Massachusetts | $80,970 | $80,640 | +$330 | ||
| Michigan | $65,720 | $86,630 | $-20,910 | ||
| Minnesota | $76,360 | $64,990 | +$11,370 | ||
| Missouri | $66,460 | $65,470 | +$990 | ||
| Nebraska | $52,580 | $50,830 | +$1,750 | ||
| Nevada | $78,480 | $97,350 | $-18,870 | ||
| New York | $107,550 | $96,770 | +$10,780 | ||
| North Carolina | $63,700 | $88,350 | $-24,650 | ||
| Ohio | $69,350 | $67,000 | +$2,350 | ||
| Oklahoma | $61,600 | $66,980 | $-5,380 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,460 | $71,760 | +$3,700 | ||
| Rhode Island | $84,250 | $80,040 | +$4,210 | ||
| Tennessee | $73,020 | $83,080 | $-10,060 | ||
| Texas | $71,710 | $78,930 | $-7,220 | ||
| Utah | $76,350 | $88,210 | $-11,860 | ||
| Virginia | $65,900 | $81,510 | $-15,610 | ||
| Washington | $81,550 | $133,480 | $-51,930 | ||
| West Virginia | $46,660 | $60,940 | $-14,280 | ||
| Wisconsin | $66,390 | $64,890 | +$1,500 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Producers and Directors vs Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $8,123 (11.5%) based on 2025 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 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 19 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 $70,717 per year, compared to $78,840 for a Special Effects Artists and Animators, according to 2025 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 142,630 Producers and Directors positions and 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.