Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $158,070 +58.4% vs national
Median hourly $75.99
10th percentile $98,940
90th percentile —
Employed locally 400
National median $99,800

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Special Effects Artists and Animators
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $98,940
    25th
    $130,400
    50th (median)
    $158,070
    75th
    $197,570

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Effects Artists and Animators salary vs area income 100% Median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary is 0% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Special Effects Artists and Animators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $111,470

    Nearby metros — Special Effects Artists and Animators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $97,130

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $54,520
    Public Relations Specialists $101,200
    Graphic Designers $98,530
    Technical Writers $135,880
    Art Directors $170,760
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $45,110

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Special Effects Artists and Animators in San Jose, CA is $75.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $103.69 or more per hour.

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

    The median Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in San Jose, CA is 58.4% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators (10th percentile) earn around $98,940 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $130,400.