Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont
In San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont (CA), the median pay for special effects artists and animators is $65.76 an hour ($136,770 a year). About 1,440 people work in this job there.
That is 34% higher than the U.S. median ($102,030). It is 5% higher than the California median ($130,540).
Pay range for special effects artists and animators in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont (CA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $41.52 | $86,370 |
| 25% of workers | $50.51 | $105,050 |
| Half of workers (median) | $65.76 | $136,770 |
| 75% of workers | $80.81 | $168,090 |
| 90% of workers | $98.95 | $205,810 |
Special Effects Artists and Animators pay in California metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $156,950 | 510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont (this page) | $136,770 | 1,440 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $124,590 | 4,650 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $122,880 | 70 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $118,750 | 100 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $95,420 | 40 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for special effects artists and animators
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Job outlook: -0.3% over ten years, little or no change · about 4,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont (CA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $163,810 |
| Producers and Directors | $130,640 |
| Graphic Designers | $92,050 |
| Art Directors | $165,210 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $104,000 |
| Interior Designers | $87,460 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $55,960 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.