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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Maryland

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Maryland, $85,830. After cost-of-living, the gap is 44.3% — not 52.1%.

Nominal pay gap
+52.1%
California vs Maryland
COL-adjusted gap
+44.3%
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

Maryland

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$85,830
p25
$57,520
p75
$96,640
p10
$52,710
p90
$110,750
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
105.0
See full breakdown for Maryland

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.