SOC 395091
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
National Median
$50,280
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$50,280
Entry Level (10th pct)
$22,010
Experienced (90th pct)
$157,090
Total Employed
3,320
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $22,010 - $28,850 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $28,850 - $132,530 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $132,530 - $157,090 |
Highest Paying Locations for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 12 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $133,050 | 40 | |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $132,900 | N/A | |
| California | $132,890 | N/A | |
| Georgia | $132,610 | 80 | |
| New York | $100,410 | 310 | |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $99,650 | 290 | |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $91,290 | 90 | |
| District of Columbia | $91,290 | 80 | |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $61,270 | 50 | |
| Tennessee | $58,560 | 30 | |
| Florida | $43,020 | 380 | |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $43,020 | 250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance?
The national median annual salary for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance is $50,280, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, with a median salary of $133,050.
How much can an experienced Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make?
Top-earning Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances (90th percentile) make $157,090 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.