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3D & VFX Artist Salary in the United States

How much does a 3D & VFX Artist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D & VFX Artist in the United States is $79,521 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a 3D & VFX Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,928
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,453 to $91,250
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,928
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D & VFX Artist Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence 3D & VFX Artist Salaries

A 3D & VFX 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.

How Experience Level Affects 3D & VFX Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D & VFX 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): $67,699
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $77,077
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,323
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $120,600
  • Expert (over 8 years): $141,303
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAD Drafter I less than 1 year $67,699
3D & VFX Artist 1-2 years $77,077
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $93,323
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $120,600
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $141,303

How Do 3D & VFX Artist Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 3D & VFX Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $88,045.
  • California: $87,711.
  • Massachusetts: $86,542.

Top Paying Cities for 3D & VFX Artist

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:

  • San Jose: $100,300
  • San Francisco: $99,201
  • Oakland: $97,111

3D & VFX Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D & VFX Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, 3D & VFX Artist positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D & VFX Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D & VFX Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $107,353 $52.0 35%
Aerospace & Defense $103,377 $50.0 30%
Financial Services $99,401 $48.0 25%
Construction $95,425 $46.0 20%
Internet $95,425 $46.0 20%

How Education impacts a 3D & VFX Artist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3D & VFX Artist professionals enter the field with a high school 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 3D & VFX Artist with a high school is between $75,297 and $80,219.

3D & VFX Artist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for 3D & VFX Artist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 0.9%
High School 21%
Associate's Degree 54%
Bachelor's Degree 21.9%
Master's Degree or MBA 1.9%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.3%
View as Graph

3D & VFX Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D & VFX 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$73,453
Average $79,521/year
$91,250
$6,121
Average $6,627/month
$7,604
$1,413
Average $1,529/week
$1,755
$35
Average $38/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,250 $7,604 $1,755 $44
Average $79,521 $6,627 $1,529 $38
25th Percentile $73,453 $6,121 $1,413 $35

Most common benefits for 3D & VFX Artist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for 3D & VFX Artist

Here are companies hiring for 3D & VFX Artist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 3D & VFX Artist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3D & VFX Artist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about 3D & VFX Artist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for 3D & VFX Artist?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for 3D & VFX Artist roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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