Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $97,130 -2.7% vs national
Median hourly $46.70
10th percentile $72,600
90th percentile $150,890
Employed locally 190
National median $99,800

Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators salary & buying power

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,600
    25th
    $86,910
    50th (median)
    $97,130
    75th
    $127,190
    90th
    $150,890

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 95% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 5% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Special Effects Artists and Animators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $158,070
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $142,690
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $129,260
    California $128,360
    New Jersey $124,300
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $120,320

    Nearby metros — Special Effects Artists and Animators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $158,070
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $129,260
    California $128,360
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $120,320
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $108,010

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,490
    Public Relations Specialists $77,290
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $40,290
    Producers and Directors $88,090
    Art Directors $112,400
    Editors $76,160

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in San Diego, CA is $46.70, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $78.17 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Special Effects Artists and Animators salaries?

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in San Diego, CA is 2.7% below the national median of $99,800. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in San Diego?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $72,600 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $86,910.