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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Rhode Island

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Rhode Island, $80,040. After cost-of-living, the gap is 50.7% — not 63.1%.

Nominal pay gap
+63.1%
California vs Rhode Island
COL-adjusted gap
+50.7%
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

Rhode Island

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$80,040
p25
$48,640
p75
$84,510
p10
$45,810
p90
$99,060
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
102.3
See full breakdown for Rhode Island

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.