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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Michigan

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Michigan, $86,630. After cost-of-living, the gap is 30.9% — not 50.7%.

Nominal pay gap
+50.7%
California vs Michigan
COL-adjusted gap
+30.9%
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

Michigan

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$86,630
p25
$68,590
p75
$121,830
p10
$54,260
p90
$194,550
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
96.2
See full breakdown for Michigan

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.