pay is normally determined based on experience. When it comes to the game industry, first year artists, depending on location, can perhaps expect in the $30-35,000 range per year. Yes, salaries can get upwards of $60-70,000 after 5-7 years, again depending on location. Gamasutra.com has a yearly game developer salary survey that can be useful.

*Edited to clarify I'm talking about the game industry