How much does a 3D & VFX Artist make in South Dakota? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D & VFX Artist in South Dakota is $72,269 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,633
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,754 to $82,928
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,733

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): $61,524
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $70,048
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $84,812
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $109,601
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,417
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
CAD Drafter I less than 1 year $61,524
3D & VFX Artist 1-2 years $70,048
CAD Drafter III 2-4 years $84,812
CAD Drafter IV 5-8 years $109,601
CAD Drafter V over 8 years $128,417

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:

  • Alcester: $73,022
  • Aurora: $73,410
  • Baltic: $72,620

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 $97,562 $47.0 35%
Aerospace & Defense $93,949 $45.0 30%
Financial Services $90,336 $43.0 25%
Construction $86,722 $42.0 20%
Internet $86,722 $42.0 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
$66,754
Average $72,269/year
$82,928
$5,563
Average $6,022/month
$6,911
$1,284
Average $1,390/week
$1,595
$32
Average $35/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $82,928 $6,911 $1,595 $40
Average $72,269 $6,022 $1,390 $35
25th Percentile $66,754 $5,563 $1,284 $32

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.

  • Headway | WOONSOCKET, RI

    Headway | WOONSOCKET, RI

    Headway, a pioneer in mental health services, is seeking a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to join our dedicated team. At Headway, we streamline th... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Instacart | WASHINGTON, DC

    Instacart | WASHINGTON, DC

    Instacart, a leading American company in grocery delivery services, is seeking diligent and customer-oriented Delivery Drivers to facilitate the prompt, sa... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Headway | CRANSTON, RI

    Headway | CRANSTON, RI

    Headway, a pioneer in mental health services, is seeking a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to join our dedicated team. At Headway, we streamline th... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Headway | DARLINGTON, RI

    Headway | DARLINGTON, RI

    Headway, a pioneer in mental health services, is seeking a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to join our dedicated team. At Headway, we streamline th... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Lyft | WASHINGTON, DC

    Lyft | WASHINGTON, DC

    Lyft is actively seeking dedicated drivers to join our growing team in Washington, D.C. As a part of our transportation fleet, you will play a crucial role... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Accountable Healthcare Staffing | HILO, HI

    Accountable Healthcare Staffing | HILO, HI

    American Mobile Healthcare, renowned for its leadership in healthcare staffing, invites you to join our vibrant team as a Travel Registered Nurse. This rol... more

    3 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst