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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Visual Effects Artist in Illinois is $61,304 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Visual Effects Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Visual Effects Artist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $67,275 | $5,606 | $1,294 | $32 |
| Average | $61,304 | $5,109 | $1,179 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,993 | $4,499 | $1,038 | $26 |
Xtek Partners - COLUMBUS, OH
Duluth Trading Company - MOUNT HOREB, WI
Duluth Trading Company - MOUNT HOREB, WI
Pilot Flying J - MURDO, SD
A Visual 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Visual 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Visual Ef... Level Visual Effects Artist | $60,866 |
| Graphic D... Level Visual Effects Artist | $71,314 |
| Graphic D... Level Visual Effects Artist | $86,578 |
| Graphic D... Level Visual Effects Artist | $106,918 |
| Graphic D... Level Visual Effects Artist | $125,693 |
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 Visual Effects Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Visual Effects Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Visual Effects Artist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Visual Effects Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $73,565 | $35.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Visual 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $67,275 | $5,606 | $1,294 | $32 |
| Average | $61,304 | $5,109 | $1,179 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,993 | $4,499 | $1,038 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Visual Effects Artist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Pilot Flying J
GRASS VALLEY, NV
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Pilot Flying J
WASCO, OR
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Pilot Flying J
WILLIAMS, IA
Pilot Flying J | WILLIAMS, IA
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Pilot Flying J
QUARTZSITE, AZ
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Pilot Flying J
SONORA, KY
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