Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $97,150 · Median hourly: $46.71 · Employment: 2,340
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $23,360 | $11.23 |
| 25th | $34,530 | $16.60 |
| Median | $97,150 | $46.71 |
| 75th | $143,230 | $68.86 |
| 90th | $167,470 | $80.51 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 39-5091
- Total U.S. employment: 2,340
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
How to interpret these figures
With approximately 2,340 makeup artists, theatrical and performance employed, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
Across the United States, 2,340 makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $140,870 | $67.73 | +45.0% | 830 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 | $46.02 | -1.5% | 60 |
| Florida | $82,400 | $39.62 | -15.2% | 250 |
| Georgia | $143,230 | $68.86 | +47.4% | 200 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 | $62.30 | +33.4% | 0 |
| New York | $97,150 | $46.71 | 0.0% | 190 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Cashiers — $32,880/yr
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
- Stockers and Order Fillers — $37,330/yr
- Customer Service Representatives — $44,770/yr
- Office Clerks, General — $45,010/yr
- Waiters and Waitresses — $35,230/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
The median annual wage for makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $97,150 ($46.71 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays makeup artists, theatrical and performance the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 2,340 makeup artists, theatrical and performance employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do makeup artists, theatrical and performance make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $46.71. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.