Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in California
Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median annual wage of $130,540 —27.9% above the national median of $102,030. That ranks CA #2 of 31 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 3.17× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for special effects artists and animators
All 31 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $133,480 | $64.17 | 1,130 | 2.48 |
| 2 | California | $130,540 | $62.76 | 7,410 | 3.17 |
| 3 | Nevada | $97,350 | $46.80 | 370 | 1.84 |
| 4 | New York | $96,770 | $46.52 | 1,540 | 1.24 |
| 5 | Colorado | $91,290 | $43.89 | 210 | 0.56 |
| 6 | Arizona | $89,650 | $43.10 | 190 | 0.45 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $88,350 | $42.48 | 370 | 0.58 |
| 8 | Utah | $88,210 | $42.41 | 320 | 1.44 |
| 9 | Michigan | $86,630 | $41.65 | 230 | 0.40 |
| 10 | Florida | $85,870 | $41.29 | 1,530 | 1.20 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $85,030 | $74,750 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | $47,320 |
| Graphic Designers | $75,130 | $62,960 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $39,390 |
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $90,360 |
| Editors | $98,030 | $77,920 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in California?
The median annual wage for special effects artists and animators in California is $130,540, or $62.76 per hour. That is 27.9% above the national median of $102,030.
What is the entry-level special effects artists and animators salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $71,710 per year ($34.48/hour). The 25th percentile is $99,280.
How many people work as special effects artists and animators in California?
About 7,410 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.4 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for special effects artists and animators?
California ranks #2 of 31 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 3.17x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays special effects artists and animators the most?
Washington has the highest median wage at $133,480 per year, followed by California ($130,540) and Nevada ($97,350).