Special Effects Artist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Special Effects Artist make in Tennessee?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Effects Artist in Tennessee is $25,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.

However, a Special Effects Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $30,286
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $23,470 to $28,220
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $21,212

Key Factors That Influence Special Effects Artist Salaries

A Special Effects 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Special Effects Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Special Effects 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $26,295
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $26,539
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $27,075
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $27,182
  • Expert (over 8 years): $27,254
Levels Salary
Entry Level Special Effects Artist$26,295
Intermediate Level Special Effects Artist$26,539
Senior Level Special Effects Artist$27,075
Specialist Level Special Effects Artist$27,182
Expert Level Special Effects Artist$27,254

Top Paying Cities for Special Effects Artists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Cornersville: $25,506
  • Lexington: $25,016
  • Iron City: $24,143

Special Effects Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Special Effects Artist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Special Effects Artist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Effects Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Special Effects Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$31,140$15.020%

Special Effects Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Special Effects 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 September 01, 2026
$23,470
Average $25,950/year
$28,220
$1,956
Average $2,163/month
$2,352
$451
Average $499/week
$543
$11
Average $12/hour
$14
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $28,220 $2,352 $543 $14
Average $25,950 $2,163 $499 $12
25th Percentile $23,470 $1,956 $451 $11

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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