Average Salary for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
SOC 39-5091 · Personal Care and Service Occupations · 2024 data
The median annual wage for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in the United States is $50,280 ($24.17/hr), based on 2024 BLS OEWS data. Wages range from $22,010 at the 10th percentile to $157,090 at the 90th percentile nationally. An estimated 3,320 people work in this occupation across the country. The national median wage has grown 13.5% since 2014.
Median Annual
$50,280
Mean Annual
$75,410
10th Pct
$22,010
75th Pct
$132,530
Employment
3,320
Salary Distribution
$22k
10th
$29k
25th
$50k
Median
$133k
75th
$157k
90th
Highest Paying Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $133,050 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $132,900 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $99,650 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $91,290 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $61,270 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $43,020 |
Salary by State
| State | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| California | $132,890 |
| Georgia | $132,610 |
| New York | $100,410 |
| District of Columbia | $91,290 |
| Tennessee | $58,560 |
| Florida | $43,020 |
Salary by Industry
National median wage for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance broken down by industry sector, 2024 data.
| Industry | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | $132,920 |
| Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries | $132,920 |
| Information | $132,850 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $119,820 |
| Employment Services | $119,820 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | $119,820 |
| Temporary Help Services | $119,790 |
| Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers | $91,290 |
| Broadcasting and Content Providers | $91,290 |
| Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries | $63,790 |
| Performing Arts Companies | $58,560 |
| Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters | $52,050 |
| Television Broadcasting Stations | $50,650 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations | $50,650 |
| Cross-industry, Private Ownership only | $50,280 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $43,020 |
| Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries | $43,020 |
| Amusement Parks and Arcades | $43,020 |
| Educational Services | $34,470 |
| Educational Services | $34,470 |
| Personal and Laundry Services | $23,480 |
| Personal Care Services | $23,480 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $23,480 |
National Wage Trend
View data table
| Year | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $50,280 |
| 2023 | $47,390 |
| 2022 | $96,370 |
| 2021 | $134,750 |
| 2020 | $106,920 |
| 2019 | $75,730 |
| 2018 | $64,250 |
| 2017 | $59,300 |
| 2016 | $60,970 |
| 2015 | $53,230 |
| 2014 | $44,310 |