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3D & VFX Artist Salary in New York

How much does a 3D & VFX Artist make in New York? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D & VFX Artist in New York is $84,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $108,360
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,088 to $97,008
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,214
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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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 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): $71,970
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,941
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $99,212
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $128,210
  • Expert (over 8 years): $150,220
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAD Drafter I less than 1 year $71,970
3D & VFX Artist 1-2 years $81,941
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $99,212
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $128,210
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $150,220

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:

  • Holtsville: $87,251
  • Brentwood: $87,105
  • Brightwaters: $86,329

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 $114,127 $55.0 35%
Aerospace & Defense $109,900 $53.0 30%
Financial Services $105,673 $51.0 25%
Construction $101,446 $49.0 20%
Internet $101,446 $49.0 20%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$78,088
Average $84,539/year
$97,008
$6,507
Average $7,045/month
$8,084
$1,502
Average $1,626/week
$1,866
$38
Average $41/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $97,008 $8,084 $1,866 $47
Average $84,539 $7,045 $1,626 $41
25th Percentile $78,088 $6,507 $1,502 $38

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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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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