Some technicians have steady, salaried employment, while others work freelance for an hourly rate and may have periods with no work. The average daily rate for beginning freelance technicians is $100 to $200 per day, while more experienced technicians may earn $300 per day or more. According to SalaryExpert.com, in August 2020, special effects technicians had an average annual salary of $67,853 for those employed full time. The U.S. Department of Labor reported salaries for multimedia artists and animators, the category that includes special effects technicians, as ranging from less than $40,250 to more than $139,940.
Those working freelance will not have the benefits of full-time work, having to provide their own health insurance. Those working for special and visual effects houses have the usual benefit packages including health insurance, bonuses, and retirement.
- Actors
- Animators
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- Augmented Reality Developers
- Broadcast Engineers
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