Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $129,260/year ($62.15/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $177K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 113.57), so that salary is closer to $113,815 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,601/month — about 34.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $129K get you in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
About special effects artists and animators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $129K.Top earners bring in $177K or more - a $113K spread from bottom to top.
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $128K | +29% | 7,690 |
| New Jersey | $124K | +25% | 160 |
| Oregon | $109K | +9% | 470 |
| New York | $102K | +2% | 1,820 |
| Texas | $89K | -11% | N/A |
| Nevada | $86K | -14% | 420 |
| Ohio | $84K | -16% | 290 |
| Kansas | $83K | -17% | N/A |
| Maryland | $82K | -18% | 370 |
| Tennessee | $82K | -18% | N/A |
| Michigan | $81K | -19% | 330 |
| Virginia | $79K | -21% | 260 |
| Georgia | $79K | -21% | 860 |
| Louisiana | $77K | -23% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $77K | -23% | 270 |
Track special effects artists and animators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median is $129,260 a year - that works out to about $62.15 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,790, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $177,310. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $129K enough to live in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,579/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,601/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 34.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a special effects artists and animators salary go in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has a Regional Price Parity of 113.57 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special effects artists and animators salary is worth about $113,815 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special effects artists and animators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.