RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Indiana

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Indiana, $75,250. After cost-of-living, the gap is 46.2% — not 73.5%.

Nominal pay gap
+73.5%
California vs Indiana
COL-adjusted gap
+46.2%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

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

Indiana

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$75,250
p25
$54,640
p75
$93,090
p10
$50,920
p90
$93,090
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
93.3
See full breakdown for Indiana

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.