How Much Do Special Effects Artists and Animators Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earns $130,540 per year and takes home $92,580 ($7,715/month) — a keep-rate of 70.9%, with 7,410 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $10,878.33 |
| Federal income tax | $1,671.96 |
| Social Security | $674.46 |
| Medicare | $157.74 |
| California state income tax | $659.22 |
| You keep | $7,714.97 |
How much do Special Effects Artists and Animators make in California?
The median Special Effects Artists and Animators in California earns $130,540 per year (BLS May 2025), about $62.76 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$130,540 gross in California keeps $92,580 after federal income tax ($20,063), FICA ($9,986) and state income tax ($7,911) — $7,715 per month, a 70.9% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
The California median is $28,510 above the national median of $102,030.
Which state pays Special Effects Artists and Animators the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Special Effects Artists and Animators at $133,480 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage