RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs New York

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In New York, $96,770. After cost-of-living, the gap is 31.5% — not 34.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+34.9%
California vs New York
COL-adjusted gap
+31.5%
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

New York

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$96,770
p25
$76,420
p75
$136,840
p10
$60,190
p90
$176,190
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
107.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-63%
See full breakdown for New York

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.