Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the United States was $46.71, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $11.23 |
| 25th | $16.60 |
| Median | $46.71 |
| 75th | $68.86 |
| 90th | $80.51 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do makeup artists, theatrical and performance make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $46.71; the mean hourly wage is $49.16.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $11.23 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $80.51 per hour.