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Special Effects Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Special Effects Team

Kansas City, MO

Special Effects Team Department: Game Day Production Reports to: Game Entertainment Coordinator Status: Event, Hourly OVERVIEW: The Kansas City Chiefs are currently recruiting talented individuals to ...

Kansas City Chiefs

Special Effects Team

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Special Effects Team Department: Game Day Production Reports to: Game Entertainment Coordinator Status: Event, Hourly OVERVIEW: The Kansas City Chiefs are currently recruiting talented individuals to ...

kccfc

Special Effects Team

Kansas City, MO

Special Effects Team Department: Game Day Production Reports to: Game Entertainment Coordinator Status: Event, Hourly OVERVIEW: The Kansas City Chiefs are currently recruiting talented individuals to ...

kccfc

Special Effects Team

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Special Effects Team Department: Game Day Production Reports to: Game Entertainment Coordinator Status: Event, Hourly OVERVIEW: The Kansas City Chiefs are currently recruiting talented individuals to ...

Weekday AI

Adobe Specialists - After Effects

Professionals with backgrounds as Motion Designers, Video Editors, Special Effects Artists, Motion Graphics Artists, or similar creative roles are encouraged to apply. The role requires a detail ...

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Special Effects information

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$21K

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$111.5K

How much do special effects jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for special effects in the United States is $67,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the field of special effects, high-paying roles such as freelance visual effects artists or supervisors can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially with extensive experience, strong portfolios, and proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects or Nuke. These positions often require self-education, networking, and building a reputation rather than formal degrees.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of special effects, highly experienced professionals such as lead supervisors or those working in high-budget film and television productions can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $400,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve working on large-scale projects with significant budgets.

How to get a job in special effects?

To get a job in special effects, develop skills in areas such as makeup, prosthetics, or digital effects using software like Adobe After Effects or Maya. Gain experience through internships, build a strong portfolio, and consider relevant certifications or training programs to demonstrate your expertise to employers.

What are some common challenges faced by special effects artists when working on film sets, and how can they be addressed?

Special effects artists often encounter tight deadlines, last-minute script changes, and the need to coordinate closely with other departments like lighting, camera, and stunts. These challenges can be managed by maintaining clear communication with the production team, being adaptable, and preparing backup plans for key effects. Additionally, collaborating early in the pre-production phase helps anticipate technical requirements and ensures the effects blend seamlessly with other elements of the production.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of special effects, high-paying roles such as lead visual effects supervisors or senior special effects artists can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, strong industry reputation, and working on major film or television projects. These positions often require advanced skills in CGI, practical effects, and project management, along with long hours and high responsibility.

What is the difference between Special Effects vs Makeup Artist?

AspectSpecial EffectsMakeup Artist
CredentialsSpecial Effects certifications, prosthetics trainingMakeup artistry certifications, cosmetology license
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, theater, horror, fantasy productionsBeauty salons, film, TV, fashion shows
Industry UsageCreating realistic injuries, fantasy effects, prostheticsEnhancing appearance, beauty makeup, character makeup

While both roles involve makeup application, Special Effects focuses on creating realistic injuries, prosthetics, and fantasy effects for film and theater, requiring specialized training. Makeup Artists primarily enhance appearance for beauty, fashion, or character roles, often working in salons or on set. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the entertainment industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Effects Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Effects Technician, you need knowledge of physics, mechanics, and materials, often backed by a degree or training in film, theater, or engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like pneumatics, pyrotechnics, animatronics, and software such as Autodesk Maya or Houdini is crucial. Creativity, problem-solving, strong teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the safe, realistic, and innovative execution of effects that enhance storytelling and visual impact in productions.

What are Special Effects jobs?

Special Effects jobs involve creating visual illusions or tricks for film, television, theater, and live events to simulate imagined events or enhance reality. Professionals in this field use a combination of practical effects, like pyrotechnics, animatronics, and makeup, as well as digital effects such as CGI. Special Effects artists often collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other creative teams to bring scenes to life and achieve the desired visual impact. This work requires creativity, technical expertise, and attention to safety standards.
More about Special Effects jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Effects jobs? Cities with the most Special Effects job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Effects jobs? The most popular types of Special Effects jobs are:
What states have the most Special Effects jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Effects jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Special Effects jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Effects jobs are:
Special Effects jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Effects job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,955 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Special Effects Team

AEG

Kansas City, MO

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Position: Special Effects Team
Department: Game Day Production
Reports to: Game Entertainment Coordinator
Status: Event, Hourly OVERVIEW: The Kansas City Chiefs are currently recruiting talented individuals to deliver Championship Service for the 2026 Season. Ideal candidates will be hard-working, energetic, passionate, personable, proactive, and welcoming. As a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Gameday Production Team, you create valuable and exciting experiences for everyone at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
THIS POSITION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
  • Unloading and prepping all special effects equipment - as directed by Chiefs Special Effects Staff
  • Assist in the testing and safety checks of special effects equipment - as directed by Chiefs Special Effects Staff
  • Moving all set pieces and special effects equipment for the Chiefs Production Team's pregame pageantry
  • Ensuring all movements and staging are positive and safe for all parties in and around the designated area
  • Performing Additional responsibilities as needed and directed by supervisory personnel
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be able to carry/move/handle 50 pounds
  • Must be available for all Kansas City Chiefs home games*
  • Strong work ethic, self-starter, pro-active, detail oriented, and positive attitude
  • Desire to work in team-oriented environment
  • This position's responsibility will require arrival 6 hours prior to kickoff and will conclude in the first quarter.
  • This position is outdoors.
*This is a game-day-only position with required attendance for each scheduled 2026-27 Chiefs home game, including preseason and any potential postseason games. LOCAL APPLICANTS ONLY.

About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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