How To Become A Special Effects Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a special effects designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Abby Guido

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a special effects designer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $34.39 an hour? That's $71,523 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 3,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a special effects designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.

ScoreSpecial Effects DesignerUS Average

Salary

5.6

Avg. Salary $71,523

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 7.56%

Black or African American 4.30%

Hispanic or Latino 14.03%

Unknown 5.56%

White 67.91%

Gender

female 35.94%

male 64.06%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a special effects designer

Explore special effects designer education requirements

Most common special effects designer degrees

Bachelor's

59.3 %

Associate

27.8 %

Master's

5.6 %

Complete relevant special effects designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New special effects designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a special effects designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real special effects designer resumes.

Research special effects designer duties and responsibilities

Modify SRV-1 source code using JavaScript software to attain tracking at any instantaneous time.
Develop handbags from initial sketch through final product including material sourcing, development of prototypes, sampling and technical specifications.
Provide additional support with occasional photo and video shoots, video editing and animation.

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