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2D Background Artist Salary in California

How much does a 2D Background Artist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2D Background Artist in California is $78,299 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a 2D Background Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,495
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,933 to $86,776
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,406
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 2D Background Artist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 2D Background Artist Salaries

A 2D Background Artist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 2D Background Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2D Background Artist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,880
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $72,655
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $77,122
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $80,418
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,007
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 2D Background Artist less than 1 year $71,880
Early Career Level 2D Background Artist 1-2 years $72,655
Mid-Level Level 2D Background Artist 2-4 years $77,122
Senior-Level Level 2D Background Artist 5-8 years $80,418
Expert Level 2D Background Artist over 8 years $81,007

How Do 2D Background Artist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 2D Background Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $78,597.
  • California: $78,299.
  • Massachusetts: $77,255.

Top Paying Cities for 2D Background Artist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $78,434
  • West Hollywood: $78,377
  • Dodgertown: $78,433

2D Background Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2D Background Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, 2D Background Artist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2D Background Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 2D Background Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $109,619 $53.0 40%
MFG Nondurable $105,704 $51.0 35%
Business Services $101,789 $49.0 30%
Energy & Utilities $97,874 $47.0 25%
Aerospace & Defense $93,959 $45.0 20%

2D Background Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2D Background Artist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$68,933
Average $78,299/year
$86,776
$5,744
Average $6,525/month
$7,231
$1,326
Average $1,506/week
$1,669
$33
Average $38/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,776 $7,231 $1,669 $42
Average $78,299 $6,525 $1,506 $38
25th Percentile $68,933 $5,744 $1,326 $33

Find Your Next 2D Background Artist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 2D Background Artist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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