Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is $108,010/year ($51.93/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $124K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.53), so that salary is closer to $97,720 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,693/month — about 40.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $108K get you in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura?
About special effects artists and animators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $108K.Top earners bring in $124K or more - a $64K 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 Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
The median is $108,010 a year - that works out to about $51.93 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $60,690, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $124,480. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $108K enough to live in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,516/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,693/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.3% 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 Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura?
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura has a Regional Price Parity of 110.53 (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 $97,720 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.