As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Background Artist in the United States is $65,618 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Background Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Background Artist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Background Artist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Backgroun... Level Background Artist | $67,357 |
| Technical... Level Background Artist | $80,900 |
| Technical... Level Background Artist | $106,836 |
| Technical... Level Background Artist | $124,224 |
| Technical... Level Background Artist | $152,747 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Background Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 9.41% |
| IT Support | 2.56% |
| Computer Systems | 1.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
API
|
$70,868 |
8%
|
|
Agile
|
$70,868 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$70,868 |
8%
|
|
Insight
|
$70,212 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$69,555 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$69,555 |
6%
|
For Background Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Background Artist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Background Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $98,427 | $47.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $88,585 | $43.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $85,304 | $41.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,023 | $39.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $82,023 | $39.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Background Artists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Background Artist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $62,982 and $67,883).
Background Artist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 20.7% |
| Associates | 20.5% |
| Bachelors | 51.1% |
| Masters | 6.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Background Artist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Background Artist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,460 in 2023 to around $63,505 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Background Artist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,460 |
| 2024 | $63,930 |
| 2025 | $63,505 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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