Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in California
BLS OEWS May 2025 • 7 metro areas • California
Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median salary of $115,834 per year on average across 7 metro and nonmetro areas, +16.1% vs the national median of $99,800. An estimated 7,240 special effects artists and animators are employed across California, with salaries ranging from $86,580 to $158,070 depending on location.
$115,834
Avg median salary in California
$158,070
Highest paying metro
$86,580
Lowest paying metro
7,240
Employed in California
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Special Effects Artists and Animators
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Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries by city in California
| Metro area | Median salary | 25th pct | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $158,070 | $130,400 | $197,570 | 400 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $129,260 | $90,980 | $151,750 | 4,780 |
| San Francisco, CA | $120,320 | $107,770 | $156,650 | 1,740 |
| Sacramento, CA | $111,470 | $74,870 | $136,270 | 60 |
| Oxnard, CA | $108,010 | $78,290 | $124,090 | 30 |
| San Diego, CA | $97,130 | $86,910 | $127,190 | 190 |
| Riverside, CA | $86,580 | $62,820 | $121,200 | 40 |