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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Texas

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Texas, $78,930. After cost-of-living, the gap is 45.1% — not 65.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+65.4%
California vs Texas
COL-adjusted gap
+45.1%
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

Texas

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$78,930
p25
$62,460
p75
$121,960
p10
$56,020
p90
$150,000
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
97.1
Hiring velocity (180d)
-25%
See full breakdown for Texas

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.