National Salary Overview
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$73,605
Average (Mean)
$77,167
Employed Nationwide
27,750
VS
Technical Writers earns $3,376 more (4.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$73,605
$76,981
Average (Mean) Salary
$77,167
$81,428
Total Employment
27,750
47,440
States with Higher Pay
10
24
Salary by State: Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Technical Writers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 10 states; Technical Writers pays more in 24.
| State | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Technical Writers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,270 | $79,830 | $-15,560 | ||
| Arizona | $89,770 | $39,920 | +$49,850 | ||
| California | $130,460 | $100,370 | +$30,090 | ||
| Colorado | $72,490 | $87,930 | $-15,440 | ||
| Connecticut | $95,200 | $92,260 | +$2,940 | ||
| District of Columbia | $72,500 | $102,970 | $-30,470 | ||
| Florida | $62,280 | $75,370 | $-13,090 | ||
| Georgia | $71,570 | $78,840 | $-7,270 | ||
| Illinois | $78,300 | $81,730 | $-3,430 | ||
| Indiana | $56,350 | $66,920 | $-10,570 | ||
| Iowa | $42,550 | $69,400 | $-26,850 | ||
| Kansas | $87,550 | $66,470 | +$21,080 | ||
| Louisiana | $53,780 | $64,200 | $-10,420 | ||
| Maryland | $84,800 | $94,990 | $-10,190 | ||
| Massachusetts | $81,840 | $100,860 | $-19,020 | ||
| Michigan | $64,780 | $73,710 | $-8,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,130 | $75,090 | $-10,960 | ||
| Missouri | $78,090 | $75,560 | +$2,530 | ||
| Nebraska | $55,010 | $73,900 | $-18,890 | ||
| Nevada | $95,030 | $80,800 | +$14,230 | ||
| New Mexico | $49,510 | $75,040 | $-25,530 | ||
| New York | $100,980 | $85,420 | +$15,560 | ||
| North Carolina | $76,390 | $82,590 | $-6,200 | ||
| Ohio | $61,130 | $62,980 | $-1,850 | ||
| Oklahoma | $59,990 | $61,410 | $-1,420 | ||
| Oregon | $94,620 | $78,860 | +$15,760 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,220 | $75,470 | $-12,250 | ||
| Rhode Island | $76,980 | $95,520 | $-18,540 | ||
| South Carolina | $51,380 | $73,250 | $-21,870 | ||
| Texas | $86,360 | $72,760 | +$13,600 | ||
| Utah | $58,540 | $73,720 | $-15,180 | ||
| Virginia | $77,010 | $86,360 | $-9,350 | ||
| Washington | $103,170 | $99,900 | +$3,270 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,170 | $69,920 | $-5,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Special Effects Artists and Animators or Technical Writers?
On average across all states, a Technical Writers earns more than a Special Effects Artists and Animators. The national median salary difference is $3,376 (4.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Special Effects Artists and Animators earn more than a Technical Writers?
A Special Effects Artists and Animators earns a higher median salary than a Technical Writers in 10 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Technical Writers pays more in 24 states.
What is the median salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Technical Writers?
The national median salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators is $73,605 per year, compared to $76,981 for a Technical Writers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Special Effects Artists and Animators or Technical Writers?
There are more people employed as Technical Writers. BLS reports approximately 27,750 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions and 47,440 Technical Writers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Special Effects Artists and Animators or Technical Writers?
Both Special Effects Artists and Animators and Technical Writers 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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