Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL is $81,920 per year. The middle 50% of Special Effects Artists and Animatorss earn between $63,590 and $84,820. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $113,500 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $63,580. The median of $76,330 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $63,580 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,590 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $76,330 |
| Mean (Average) | $81,920 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,820 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $113,500 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $113,990 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $93,590 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $91,590 |
| Producers and Directors | $89,800 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $88,920 |
| Technical Writers | $87,190 |
Special Effects Artists and Animators Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $167,850 |
| Seattle, WA | $146,600 |
| San Francisco, CA | $131,780 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $127,400 |
| New York, NY | $115,230 |
| Portland, OR | $112,420 |
| Sacramento, CA | $109,380 |
| San Diego, CA | $106,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL is $81,920 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Chicago, IL is $76,330 per year. Half of Special Effects Artists and Animatorss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animatorss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animatorss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $63,580 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $63,590.
What do the highest-paid Special Effects Artists and Animatorss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Special Effects Artists and Animatorss in Chicago, IL earn $113,500 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $84,820.
How many Special Effects Artists and Animatorss work in Chicago, IL?
Employment count data for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Chicago, IL is not available.