Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $120,320 +20.6% vs national
Median hourly $57.85
10th percentile $85,210
90th percentile $172,290
Employed locally 1,740
National median $99,800

Compare Special Effects Artists and Animators salary & buying power

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
San Francisco, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $85,210
    25th
    $107,770
    50th (median)
    $120,320
    75th
    $156,650
    90th
    $172,290

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 90% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 10% 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
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470

    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
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $108,010
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $97,130

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $98,460
    Coaches and Scouts $47,260
    Producers and Directors $122,210
    Graphic Designers $89,490
    Media and Communication Workers, All Other $99,420
    Editors $99,720

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in San Francisco, CA is $57.85, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $98.95 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in San Francisco, CA is 20.6% above 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 Francisco?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $85,210 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $107,770.