State comparison · 2025
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Kentucky
Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Kentucky, $50,970. After cost-of-living, the gap is 108.7% — not 156.1%.
Nominal pay gap
+156.1%
California vs Kentucky
COL-adjusted gap
+108.7%
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%
Kentucky
Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Median
- $50,970
- p25
- $45,490
- p75
- $73,990
- p10
- $44,700
- p90
- $89,930
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 90.2
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.