Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance earn a median $97,150 a year nationally. Personal Care and Service Occupations
What makeup artists, theatrical and performance do
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +6.1% (faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 600
- Self-employed
- 48%
Employment of makeup artists, theatrical and performance is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 600 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$12,543
- Social Security (6.2%)$6,023
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,409
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$77,175
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,360 | $11.23 | $20,847 |
| 25th percentile | $34,530 | $16.60 | $29,925 |
| Median (50th) | $97,150 | $46.71 | $77,175 |
| 75th percentile | $143,230 | $68.86 | $109,164 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $167,470 | $80.51 | $125,732 |
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $143,230 | +8.0% | $102,353 | $64,480 – $162,190 | 200 |
| California | $140,870 | +6.0% | $96,848 | $76,340 – $169,590 | 830 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 | — | $96,333 | $22,200 – $131,970 | — |
| New York | $97,150 | −3.2% | $72,483 | $78,260 – $192,840 | 190 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 | +4.9% | $71,008 | $52,000 – $111,870 | 60 |
| Florida | $82,400 | +91.5% | $66,798 | $32,040 – $213,850 | 250 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +8.8% |
| Manicurist and Pedicurist | $35,760 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +9.2% |
| Shampooer | $32,600 | No formal educational credential | +5.6% |
| Barber | $38,210 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.3% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,790 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +7.7% |
| First-Line Supervisor of Gambling Services Workers | $63,820 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.5% |
| Embalmer | $58,780 | Associate's degree | +0.7% |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $55,010 | Associate's degree | +3.0% |
| Costume Attendant | $50,400 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.9% |
| First-Line Supervisor of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance make?
The national median salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $97,150 a year ($46.71 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,360 and the top 10% earn over $167,470. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays makeup artists, theatrical and performance the most?
Georgia has the highest median pay at $143,230.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance are there in the U.S.?
About 2,340 people work as makeup artists, theatrical and performance nationwide.