How Much Does an Effects Artist Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Effects Artist in California is $113,925. While Salary.com is seeing that Effects Artist salary in CA can go up to $135,549 or down to $90,864, but most earn between $101,854 and $125,243. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $101,854 10% $90,864 90% $135,549 75% $125,243 $113,925 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Effects Artist
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Similar Job Salaries to Effects Artist by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Industrial Light & Magic
Effects Technical Director
$206,063/yr
$182,352
$229,775
RANGE: $182,352 - $229,775
Aerospace Corporation
Electro Magnetic Effects Engineer
$121,531/yr
$110,856
$132,206
RANGE: $110,856 - $132,206
The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH
Effects Technical Director
$135,658/yr
$117,188
$154,129
RANGE: $117,188 - $154,129
Disney
Effects Technical Director
$135,658/yr
$117,188
$154,129
RANGE: $117,188 - $154,129
The Walt Disney Company (France)
Effects Technical Director
$135,658/yr
$117,188
$154,129
RANGE: $117,188 - $154,129
The Aerospace Corporation
Electro Magnetic Effects Engineer
$121,531/yr
$110,856
$132,206
RANGE: $110,856 - $132,206
SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer
$121,618/yr
$110,936
$132,301
RANGE: $110,936 - $132,301
Coatue Management L.L.C.
Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer
$129,258/yr
$117,326
$141,189
RANGE: $117,326 - $141,189
The Forge Interactive, Inc
Visual Effects Specialist
$93,779/yr
$78,813
$108,744
RANGE: $78,813 - $108,744
SpaceX
Electronics Test Specialist (Electromagnetic Effects)
$123,453/yr
$109,090
$137,816
RANGE: $109,090 - $137,816

Open Effects Artist Jobs in California

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Effects Artist Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where an Effects Artist can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Effects Artist job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Effects Artist jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Effects Artist positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Effects Artist salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Effects Artist salary is $130,275 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Effects Artist salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for an Effects Artist in California is $113,925, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Effects Artist jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Effects Artist jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $130,275 $10,856 $2,505 $63
Santa Clara $130,275 $10,856 $2,505 $63
Fremont $130,027 $10,836 $2,501 $63
San Francisco $128,994 $10,750 $2,481 $62
Daly City $128,994 $10,750 $2,481 $62
Berkeley $126,133 $10,511 $2,426 $61
Oakland $126,133 $10,511 $2,426 $61
Hayward $125,927 $10,494 $2,422 $61
Antioch $119,006 $9,917 $2,289 $57
Vallejo $116,197 $9,683 $2,235 $56

What Does an Effects Artist Do?

The four highest paying art and design occupations are Art Directors, Special Effects Artists and Animators, Fashion Designers, and Industrial Designers.
Updated December 12, 2021
Visual-effects artists and supervisors create special effects, animation and do visual clean-up for feature films and commercials.
Updated December 04, 2021
Is looking for a talented, driven, and experienced Senior effects Artist to join our core team developing high quality AAA games and cinematic animation.
Updated December 03, 2021
Ellingwood, a local cosmetologist turned makeup and special effect artist, has appeared in the credit lines in everything from short films to feature length movies.
Updated November 24, 2021
A sound effect artist creates sound effects and other sound elements for filmmaking, television, radio, advertising, video games, and more.
Updated November 21, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About an Effects Artist Salaries

What is the average of an Effects Artist in California?

The Effects Artist salary range is from $101,854 to $125,243, and the average Effects Artist salary is $113,925/year in California. The Effects Artist's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Effects Artist salary in the United States?

The Effects Artist salary in San Jose, CA is $130,275 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Effects Artist's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Effects Artist.

What is the growth rate of the Effects Artist's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming an Effects Artist or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of an Effects Artist.