RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Salt Lake City 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$68,940
Mean annual$76,850
Range (10th to 90th)$37,530 to $128,050
Salt Lake City, Utah employment110
State vs national-23.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Salt Lake City special effects artists and animators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$37,53025TH$52,680MEDIAN$68,94075TH$99,27090TH$128,050

The middle 50% of workers earn between $52,680 and $99,270, with a median of $68,940.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Salt Lake City, Utah?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area is $68,940.
Does Salt Lake City pay more than the Utah state average for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The Salt Lake City metro median is +9.7% versus the Utah state median of $62,820.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the national median for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The Salt Lake City metro median is -23.2% versus the BLS national figure of $89,796.
What is the salary range for Special Effects Artists and Animators in Salt Lake City?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $37,530 and the 90th-percentile at $128,050 for the Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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.