Special Effects Artists and Animators Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a special effects artists and animators in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $120,320/year ($57.85/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $85K at the entry level to $172K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $104,074 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 50.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $120K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About special effects artists and animators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level special effects artists and animators (10th percentile) start around $85K. Mid-career wages sit at $120K.Top earners bring in $172K or more - a $87K 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special effects artists and animators make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $120,320 a year - that works out to about $57.85 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $85,210, and experienced special effects artists and animators can clear $172,290. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $120K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,139/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 50.5% 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (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 $104,074 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.