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Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in California
Ranked #2 of 31 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of special effects artists and animatorss in California earn between $71,710 and $206,160. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean special effects artists and animators salary in California is $134,360, about 19% above the U.S. average ($112,870). That works out to roughly $65/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $156,950 | $161,540 | 510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $136,770 | $145,960 | 1,440 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $124,590 | $130,260 | 4,650 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $122,880 | $120,760 | 70 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $118,750 | $117,610 | 100 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $95,420 | $105,560 | 40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in California?
The median special effects artists and animators salary in California is $130,540 per year (mean $134,360), and about 80% earn between $71,710 and $206,160.
How much do special effects artists and animators make per hour in California?
Roughly $65 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $134,360 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for special effects artists and animators?
California ranks #2 of 31 states for special effects artists and animators pay. Its mean salary of $134,360 is about 19% above the U.S. average of $112,870.
Which metro areas in California pay special effects artists and animators the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for special effects artists and animators are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($156,950), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($136,770), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($124,590), by median annual wage.