Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in California
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California earn a median of $140,870 a year ($67.73 an hour), based on BLS data for 830 workers.
Pay ranges from $76,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,590 for the top 10%. That is 45% higher than the national median of $97,150. California ranks 2nd of 6 states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.05 makeup artists, theatrical and performance per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.0× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $138,420, close to the median.
Pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,340 | $36.70 |
| 25th percentile | $124,800 | $60.00 |
| Median | $140,870 | $67.73 |
| 75th percentile | $143,450 | $68.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $169,590 | $81.54 |
| Average (mean) | $138,420 | $66.55 |
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 | $11,739.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,869.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,418.08 |
| Weekly | $2,709.04 |
| Hourly | $67.73 |
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 in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $140,870 | 780 |
Highest-paying states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $143,230 |
| California | $140,870 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 |
| New York | $97,150 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 |
| Florida | $82,400 |
See Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $18.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,770 | $18.64 |
| Barber | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Shampooer | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,780 | $19.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Gambling Dealer | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $56,110 | $26.98 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in California
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 California?
The median salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in California is $140,870 a year, or $67.73 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $169,590 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in California?
The top 10% of makeup artists, theatrical and performance in California earn at least $169,590 a year. The top 25% earn $143,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,340 a year, and a quarter of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn $124,800 or less.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance work in California?
About 830 makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.