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Vfx Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Collaborate across disciplines - Work closely with animation, programming, tech art and design ... The anticipated base salary range for this position is $130,000-$170,000 USD annually. Actual ...

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Collaborate across disciplines - Work closely with animation, programming, tech art and design ... The anticipated base salary range for this position is $130,000-$170,000 USD annually. Actual ...

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Collaborate across disciplines - Work closely with animation, programming, tech art and design ... The anticipated base salary range for this position is $130,000-$170,000 USD annually. Actual ...

ARTHREX

Technical Artist III- UI/UX (REMOTE)

OR · Remote

$89K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary Minimum: $89,500 Salary Maximum: $170,000.00 Main Objective : Assists in the development of ... Including incorporating models, animations, VFX, graphics, audio, video clips and other graphic ...

cosm

Visual Effects Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

The VFX Supervisor is the point person for deciding internal tasking on shots, conducting efficient ... Work with Technical Developers and Pipeline teams to make improvements, focusing on workflow * Work ...

cosm

Visual Effects Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

The VFX Supervisor is the point person for deciding internal tasking on shots, conducting efficient ... Work with Technical Developers and Pipeline teams to make improvements, focusing on workflow * Work ...

cosm

Visual Effects Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA

$140K/yr

The VFX Supervisor is the point person for deciding internal tasking on shots, conducting efficient ... Work with Technical Developers and Pipeline teams to make improvements, focusing on workflow * Work ...

Amat

Product Marketing III

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$124K - $171K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Graphic/Motion/Visual Design, Animation, VFX, Engineering. A Master's degree ... No The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location ...

Applied Materials

Product Marketing III

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Graphic/Motion/Visual Design, Animation, VFX, Engineering. A Master's degree ... No The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location ...

Cosm

Visual Effects Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

The VFX Supervisor is the point person for deciding internal tasking on shots, conducting efficient ... Work with Technical Developers and Pipeline teams to make improvements, focusing on workflow * Work ...

HARMAN International

3D Motion Designer-Unity

Novi, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary Career Level: P4 Job ID: R-52536-2026 Description & Requirements About the Role We are ... Drive animation and VFX optimization for embedded hardware performance through profiling, testing ...

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Vfx Engineer Salary information

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$145.4K

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How much do vfx engineer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for vfx engineer salary in the United States is $145,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a VFX engineer?

The average salary for a VFX (Visual Effects) Engineer varies depending on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 per year in the United States. Entry-level VFX Engineers can expect to earn around $60,000 to $80,000, while those with several years of experience or specialized skills may earn upwards of $150,000. Salaries may be higher in major entertainment hubs such as Los Angeles or Vancouver, and in industries like film, gaming, and advertising.

What factors can influence salary growth for a VFX engineer over time?

Salary growth for a VFX Engineer can be influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, proficiency with industry-standard software, and the complexity of projects handled. Engineers who demonstrate strong technical skills, adaptability to new technologies, and effective collaboration on large-scale productions often see faster advancement. Additionally, working at major studios or in regions with a high demand for VFX talent can offer greater opportunities for raises and promotions. Networking and building a strong portfolio also play a significant role in securing higher-paying positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VFX engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VFX Engineer, you need a strong background in computer graphics, programming (such as C++ or Python), and a solid understanding of visual effects techniques, typically supported by a degree in computer science, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Houdini, Maya, Unreal Engine, and shader programming, as well as experience with version control systems, is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are key soft skills that help VFX Engineers deliver high-quality visual effects. These skills enable VFX Engineers to create visually compelling content efficiently and collaboratively in fast-paced production environments.

What is the difference between Vfx Engineer Salary vs 3D Artist Salary?

AspectVfx Engineer Salary3D Artist Salary
Average Annual Salary$70,000 - $120,000$50,000 - $90,000
Required Skills & CertificationsProficiency in VFX software, programming, compositing3D modeling, texturing, rendering skills
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertising industriesAnimation studios, gaming, film production
Industry UsageHigh demand in visual effects projectsHigh demand in animation and game design

Generally, Vfx Engineers tend to earn higher salaries than 3D Artists due to their specialized technical skills and involvement in complex visual effects projects. Both roles require proficiency in industry-standard software, but Vfx Engineers often have additional programming knowledge, which can influence salary differences.

Does Vfx engineer salary pay well?

Vfx engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced Vfx engineers with skills in software like Maya or Houdini can command higher pay, especially in the entertainment and gaming industries.

What does a Vfx engineer do?

A Vfx engineer designs and develops visual effects for films, television, or video games, using software such as Maya, Houdini, or Nuke. They create realistic or fantastical effects like explosions, smoke, or digital environments, often collaborating with artists and directors to achieve the desired visual outcome. Strong programming skills and knowledge of rendering techniques are essential in this role.

What is the highest paying job in Vfx engineer?

The highest paying roles for VFX engineers typically include senior positions such as Lead VFX Engineer, VFX Supervisor, or Technical Director, which require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Houdini or Maya, and often involve overseeing large projects or teams. These roles can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions, especially in large studios or for high-profile projects.
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Vfx Engineer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vfx Engineer Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,359 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Lead VFX Artist

Ember Lab

Orange, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.


Job Summary:

As Lead VFX Artist, you will guide and elevate our visual effects, owning both technical and creative direction while mentoring other team members and contributing directly to production. You'll collaborate closely with art, design, and technical teams to bring our world to life through compelling and thrilling visuals that support immersive storytelling.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the game's visual identity while ensuring that our visual effects support both gameplay and narrative goals. This is a leadership position for someone who can directly contribute while simultaneously guiding others on VFX tasks.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Mentor and grow the team - Manage, support, and inspire a team of VFX artists. Provide thoughtful feedback and help artists grow through regular critique and coaching.
  • Lead visual effects creation - Guide the development and implementation of visually stunning and optimized visual effects for characters, environments, and gameplay.
  • Own the visual and technical bar - Drive the artistic vision for the VFX team from concept to final implementation, including particles, shaders, textures, and simulations.
  • Partner with production - Collaborate closely with producers to estimate departmental needs, break down project tasks, and ensure scope and schedules align with team capacity.
  • Collaborate across disciplines - Work closely with animation, programming, tech art and design teams to integrate VFX seamlessly into the game with an eye to optimize performance and implement shader and material solutions.
  • Maintain and improve pipelines - Uphold technical standards and help refine tools and workflows for efficient asset production and integration.
  • Ensure performance targets - Validate that all assets meet engine and platform constraints, with a focus on quality, optimization, and consistency

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in creating visual effects for video games, with a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills.
  • Proficiency at creating real-time VFX for Unreal Engine.
  • Experience with VFX optimization and performance profiling.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Experience creating stylized FX textures from scratch.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working on AAA game titles.
  • Familiarity with game development pipelines and processes.
  • Experience creating both stylized and realistic VFX.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of the VFX tools inside Unreal Engine 5, including Niagara Fluids and Chaos Destruction.
  • Knowledge of other VFX creation tools such as Houdini, Maya, and Photoshop.

Location

  • Onsite or Hybrid Preferred, Remote upon consideration


To apply:

  • Please include a portfolio.


Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $130,000-$170,000 USD annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may be considered for discretionary bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

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