RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Utah

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earn a median of $130,540. In Utah, $88,210. After cost-of-living, the gap is 32.2% — not 48%.

Nominal pay gap
+48%
California vs Utah
COL-adjusted gap
+32.2%
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

Utah

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$88,210
p25
$60,590
p75
$126,770
p10
$29,990
p90
$152,720
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
98.9
See full breakdown for Utah

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.