Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in North Carolina

Special effects artists and animators in North Carolina earn the most in Durham (average $99,130 a year) and the least in Raleigh ($82,060), across the 3 North Carolina metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the special effects artists and animators average at $86,020 and the median at $88,350 for 370 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $112,870.

Special Effects Artists and Animators average salary by city in North Carolina

Durham$99,130
Charlotte$93,400
Raleigh$82,060

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Durham	$99,130	$109,320	$91,220	$75,121	98
Charlotte	$93,400	$92,340	$67,120	$71,319	97
Raleigh	$82,060	$79,360	$65,960	$63,794	98

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in other states

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by city and state

More about pay in North Carolina

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 27-1014.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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