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State comparison · 2025

Special Effects Artists and Animators salary: California vs Washington

Occupation

Special Effects Artists and Animators in Washington earn a median of $133,480. In California, $130,540. After cost-of-living, the gap is 5.5% — not 2.2%.

Nominal pay gap
-2.2%
California vs Washington
COL-adjusted gap
-5.5%
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

Washington

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Median
$133,480
p25
$100,550
p75
$174,990
p10
$65,270
p90
$209,400
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
107.0
Hiring velocity (180d)
-33%
See full breakdown for Washington

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.