Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in the U.S.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in the U.S. earn a median of $97,150 a year ($46.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,340 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $167,470 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $102,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,360 | $11.23 |
| 25th percentile | $34,530 | $16.60 |
| Median | $97,150 | $46.71 |
| 75th percentile | $143,230 | $68.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $167,470 | $80.51 |
| Average (mean) | $102,240 | $49.16 |
Half of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,095.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,047.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,736.54 |
| Weekly | $1,868.27 |
| Hourly | $46.71 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $143,230 | 200 |
| California | $140,870 | 830 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 | n/a |
| New York | $97,150 | 190 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 | 60 |
| Florida | $82,400 | 250 |
Best-paying metro areas for makeup artists, theatrical and performance
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $160,190 | 140 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $140,870 | 780 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $108,520 | 160 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $97,150 | 180 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,730 | 70 |
Metro areas with the most makeup artists, theatrical and performance
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 780 | $140,870 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 180 | $97,150 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 160 | $108,520 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 140 | $160,190 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 70 | $95,730 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Barber | $38,210 | $18.37 |
| Shampooer | $32,600 | $15.67 |
| Childcare Worker | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,560 | $17.58 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,560 | $23.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $42,240 | $20.31 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-5091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in the U.S.?
The median salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S. is $97,150 a year, or $46.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $167,470 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S. earn at least $167,470 a year. The top 25% earn $143,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,360 a year, and a quarter of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn $34,530 or less.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance work in the U.S.?
About 2,340 makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.