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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Massachusetts

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Massachusetts, $80,640. After cost-of-living, the gap is 54.7% — not 61.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+61.9%
California vs Massachusetts
COL-adjusted gap
+54.7%
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%
See full breakdown for California

Massachusetts

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$80,640
p25
$63,090
p75
$98,370
p10
$57,900
p90
$109,820
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
105.8
Hiring velocity (180d)
+100%
See full breakdown for Massachusetts

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.