National Salary Overview
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
VS
Technical Writers earns $7,096 more (9.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$78,840
$85,937
Average (Mean) Salary
$84,643
$90,089
Total Employment
16,290
44,380
States with Higher Pay
9
20
Salary by State: Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Technical Writers
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 9 states; Technical Writers pays more in 20.
| State | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Technical Writers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $89,650 | $79,780 | +$9,870 | ||
| California | $130,540 | $104,000 | +$26,540 | ||
| Colorado | $91,290 | $100,610 | $-9,320 | ||
| Florida | $85,870 | $86,240 | $-370 | ||
| Georgia | $81,390 | $73,070 | +$8,320 | ||
| Illinois | $81,180 | $88,700 | $-7,520 | ||
| Indiana | $75,250 | $75,510 | $-260 | ||
| Iowa | $47,530 | $66,520 | $-18,990 | ||
| Kansas | $62,720 | $73,550 | $-10,830 | ||
| Kentucky | $50,970 | $81,070 | $-30,100 | ||
| Maryland | $85,830 | $100,990 | $-15,160 | ||
| Massachusetts | $80,640 | $109,200 | $-28,560 | ||
| Michigan | $86,630 | $85,270 | +$1,360 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,990 | $83,270 | $-18,280 | ||
| Missouri | $65,470 | $80,840 | $-15,370 | ||
| Nevada | $97,350 | $88,750 | +$8,600 | ||
| New Mexico | $54,000 | $94,970 | $-40,970 | ||
| New York | $96,770 | $98,310 | $-1,540 | ||
| North Carolina | $88,350 | $86,320 | +$2,030 | ||
| Ohio | $67,000 | $76,480 | $-9,480 | ||
| Oklahoma | $66,980 | $69,760 | $-2,780 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $71,760 | $87,620 | $-15,860 | ||
| Rhode Island | $80,040 | $102,360 | $-22,320 | ||
| Tennessee | $83,080 | $79,550 | +$3,530 | ||
| Texas | $78,930 | $82,750 | $-3,820 | ||
| Utah | $88,210 | $80,270 | +$7,940 | ||
| Virginia | $81,510 | $93,600 | $-12,090 | ||
| Washington | $133,480 | $104,070 | +$29,410 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,890 | $80,030 | $-15,140 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Technical Writers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $7,096 (9.0%) based on 2025 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 9 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Technical Writers pays more in 20 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 $78,840 per year, compared to $85,937 for a Technical Writers, according to 2025 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 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions and 44,380 Technical Writers positions nationwide (2025).
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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