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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Raleigh metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$75,780
Mean annual$74,070
Range (10th to 90th)$50,110 to $103,940
Raleigh, North Carolina employment90
State vs national-15.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Raleigh special effects artists and animators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$50,11025TH$55,870MEDIAN$75,78075TH$83,41090TH$103,940

The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,870 and $83,410, with a median of $75,780.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    5.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Visualization

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.

  2. 02

    Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.

  3. 03

    Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.

  4. 04

    Implement and maintain configuration control systems.

  5. 05

    Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.

  6. 06

    Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.

  7. 07

    Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.

  8. 08

    Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.

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Other metros in North Carolina

How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for special effects artists and animators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $75,780.
Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The Raleigh metro median is +16.6% versus the North Carolina state median of $65,000.
How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The Raleigh metro median is -15.6% versus the BLS national figure of $89,796.
What is the salary range for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Raleigh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,110 and the 90th-percentile at $103,940 for the Raleigh metro area.
What education is required for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Raleigh CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.