RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: Arizona vs California

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Arizona, $89,650. After cost-of-living, the gap is 24.5% — not 31.3%.

Nominal pay gap
-31.3%
Arizona vs California
COL-adjusted gap
-24.5%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Arizona

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$89,650
p25
$65,810
p75
$100,230
p10
$59,870
p90
$100,230
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.7
See full breakdown for Arizona

California

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$130,540
p25
$99,280
p75
$164,800
p10
$71,710
p90
$206,160
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-61%
See full breakdown for California

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.