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Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Virginia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in Virginia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,510
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.0% vs 2024
$89,750
Mean Salary
$81,510
Median Salary
$39.19
Hourly Rate
380 people work as Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by percentile in Virginia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Virginia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,140$47,14025th25% earn less than $66,920$66,920MedianHalf earn more than $81,510$81,51075th75% earn less than $110,180$110,18090thTop 10% earn more than $138,210$138,210

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia earn a median salary of $81,510 per year ($6,792/month). This is 3.4% above the national average of $78,841. Virginia ranks #13 out of 31 states for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay. Approximately 380 people work in this occupation across Virginia. Salaries increased by 3.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Reading Comprehension
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Speaking
3.25
Writing
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics
4.95
English Language
4.38
Design
4.22
Communications and Media
4.11
Customer and Personal Service
3.94
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (5.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia

Salaries for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia range from $47,140 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $138,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $66,920 and $110,180.

Median $81,510
P10: $47,140 P25: $66,920 P75: $110,180 P90: $138,210
10th
$47,140
25th
$66,920
Median
$81,510
75th
$110,180
90th
$138,210
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,140 $22.66 $3,928
25th Percentile $66,920 $32.17 $5,576
Median (50th) $81,510 $39.19 $6,792
75th Percentile $110,180 $52.97 $9,181
90th Percentile (Experienced) $138,210 $66.45 $11,517

Note: The mean (average) salary of $89,750 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#13
Virginia ranks #13 of 31 states
$78,841
National avg. for Special Effects Artists and Animators
+3.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Virginia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Special Effects Artists and Animators take-home pay in Virginia after taxes →

Explore Special Effects Artists and Animators Data in Virginia

Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary by State

Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia is $81,510 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $89,750.
What is the salary range for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia?
Salaries for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia range from $47,140 at the 10th percentile to $138,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $66,920 and $110,180.
What is the starting salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia?
Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators positions in Virginia typically start around $47,140 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $66,920 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 380 people are employed as Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in Virginia is approximately $39.19 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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