Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in New York
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in New York earn a median of $97,150 a year ($46.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $78,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $192,840 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $97,150. New York ranks 4th of 6 states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.02 makeup artists, theatrical and performance per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $120,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in New York
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $78,260 | $37.63 |
| 25th percentile | $96,540 | $46.41 |
| Median | $97,150 | $46.71 |
| 75th percentile | $146,200 | $70.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $192,840 | $92.71 |
| Average (mean) | $120,580 | $57.97 |
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 in cities in New York
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $97,150 | 180 |
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 New York
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,660 | $16.66 |
| Skincare Specialist | $42,910 | $20.63 |
| Shampooer | $37,070 | $17.82 |
| Barber | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Childcare Worker | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,040 | $18.29 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,090 | $22.64 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $58,900 | $28.32 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| Concierge | $57,570 | $27.68 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in New York
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 New York?
The median salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in New York is $97,150 a year, or $46.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $78,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $192,840 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in New York?
The top 10% of makeup artists, theatrical and performance in New York earn at least $192,840 a year. The top 25% earn $146,200 or more.
What is the starting pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in New York?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $78,260 a year, and a quarter of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn $96,540 or less.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance work in New York?
About 190 makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed in New York, not counting the self-employed.