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Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$130,540
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$134,360
Mean Salary
$130,540
Median Salary
$62.76
Hourly Rate
7,410 people work as Special Effects Artists and Animators in California
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median salary of $130,540 per year ($10,878/month).
This is 65.6% above the national average of $78,841.
California ranks #2 out of 31 states for Special Effects Artists and Animators pay.
Approximately 7,410 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Special Effects Artists and Animators
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.88
Reading Comprehension
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Speaking
3.25
Writing
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Computers and Electronics
4.95
English Language
4.38
Design
4.22
Communications and Media
4.11
Customer and Personal Service
3.94
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(5.4% of workers)
Salary Range: Special Effects Artists and Animators in California
Salaries for Special Effects Artists and Animators in California range from $71,710 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $206,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $99,280 and $164,800.
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in California?
The median annual salary for Special Effects Artists and Animators in California is $130,540 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $134,360.
What is the salary range for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in California?
Salaries for Special Effects Artists and Animators in California range from $71,710 at the 10th percentile to $206,160 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $99,280 and $164,800.
What is the starting salary for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in California?
Entry-level Special Effects Artists and Animators positions in California typically start around $71,710 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $99,280 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Special Effects Artists and Animators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 7,410 people are employed as Special Effects Artists and Animators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Special Effects Artists and Animators in California is approximately $62.76 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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