National Salary Overview
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Median Salary
$78,840
Average (Mean)
$84,643
Employed Nationwide
16,290
VS
Special Effects Artists and Animators earns $8,125 more (11.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$78,840
$70,715
Average (Mean) Salary
$84,643
$76,575
Total Employment
16,290
38,650
States with Higher Pay
18
10
Salary by State: Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Writers and Authors
Showing 28 states where both occupations have BLS data. Special Effects Artists and Animators pays more in 18 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 10.
| State | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Writers and Authors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $89,650 | $55,990 | +$33,660 | ||
| California | $130,540 | $86,480 | +$44,060 | ||
| Colorado | $91,290 | $76,830 | +$14,460 | ||
| Florida | $85,870 | $68,080 | +$17,790 | ||
| Georgia | $81,390 | $74,710 | +$6,680 | ||
| Illinois | $81,180 | $68,220 | +$12,960 | ||
| Indiana | $75,250 | $75,820 | $-570 | ||
| Iowa | $47,530 | $61,010 | $-13,480 | ||
| Kansas | $62,720 | $65,840 | $-3,120 | ||
| Kentucky | $50,970 | $48,780 | +$2,190 | ||
| Maryland | $85,830 | $104,330 | $-18,500 | ||
| Massachusetts | $80,640 | $85,260 | $-4,620 | ||
| Minnesota | $64,990 | $72,810 | $-7,820 | ||
| Missouri | $65,470 | $58,140 | +$7,330 | ||
| Nebraska | $50,830 | $65,470 | $-14,640 | ||
| Nevada | $97,350 | $63,910 | +$33,440 | ||
| North Carolina | $88,350 | $63,660 | +$24,690 | ||
| Ohio | $67,000 | $65,930 | +$1,070 | ||
| Oklahoma | $66,980 | $58,770 | +$8,210 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $71,760 | $77,410 | $-5,650 | ||
| Rhode Island | $80,040 | $70,190 | +$9,850 | ||
| Tennessee | $83,080 | $58,870 | +$24,210 | ||
| Texas | $78,930 | $69,990 | +$8,940 | ||
| Utah | $88,210 | $64,530 | +$23,680 | ||
| Virginia | $81,510 | $85,000 | $-3,490 | ||
| Washington | $133,480 | $85,700 | +$47,780 | ||
| West Virginia | $60,940 | $64,410 | $-3,470 | ||
| Wisconsin | $64,890 | $64,370 | +$520 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Writers and Authors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Special Effects Artists and Animators or Writers and Authors?
On average across all states, a Special Effects Artists and Animators earns more than a Writers and Authors. The national median salary difference is $8,125 (11.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Special Effects Artists and Animators earn more than a Writers and Authors?
A Special Effects Artists and Animators earns a higher median salary than a Writers and Authors in 18 out of 28 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators is $78,840 per year, compared to $70,715 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Special Effects Artists and Animators or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Writers and Authors. BLS reports approximately 16,290 Special Effects Artists and Animators positions and 38,650 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Special Effects Artists and Animators or Writers and Authors?
Both Special Effects Artists and Animators and Writers and Authors 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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