Special Effects Artists and Animators salary
in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Special Effects Artists and Animators in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro earn a median of $156,950 a year, based on BLS estimates for 510 jobs (May 2025). That is 54% above the U.S. median of $102,030 and 20% above the CA statewide median of $130,540. It ranks #1 of 10 metros with published figures for this job.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE510 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Were you outpaid?
Your salary is ranked in your browser and never uploaded.
EMPLOYERS FILING FOR THIS JOB IN SAN JOSE · VISA-SPONSORED BASE WAGES
Median of each employer’s DOL LCA filings (5+ filings) in this metro, FY2026 Q3. Covers sponsored positions only.
SPECIAL EFFECTS ARTISTS AND ANIMATORS PAY IN OTHER CA METROS
Questions
What is the average Special Effects Artists and Animators salary in San Jose?
The BLS median is $156,950 a year (May 2025). Half of the 510 jobs pay between $120,950 and $188,410. The 10th percentile is $99,280 and the 90th is $215,680.
Is San Jose a high-paying metro for Special Effects Artists and Animators?
That is 54% above the U.S. median of $102,030 and 20% above the CA statewide median of $130,540. It ranks #1 of 10 U.S. metros with published BLS figures for this job.
Does this include experience levels?
BLS figures cover all experience levels together. Employer filings carry a DOL wage level, which the free checker can filter by (approximate).
Which employers pay Special Effects Artists and Animators the most in San Jose?
Among employers with 5+ visa-sponsored filings here, the highest medians were Apple ($221,927), TT Commerce & Global Services ($216,250). These are base wages for sponsored positions, not all employees.
Sources: U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national + state) (metro area estimates, all employers); employer rows from U.S. DOL OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026 Q3 (LCA_Disclosure_Data_FY2026_Q3.xlsx). Base pay only. Estimates can have sampling error, especially for smaller metros.