Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay in the United States

In the U.S., the median pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $46.71 an hour ($97,150 a year). About 2,340 people work in this job there.

$46.71Median hourly pay
$34,530–$143,230Middle half of workers, yearly
2,340People in this job in the U.S.

Pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S.

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$11.23$23,360
25% of workers$16.60$34,530
Half of workers (median)$46.71$97,150
75% of workers$68.86$143,230
90% of workers$80.51$167,470

Best-paying states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance

StateMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Georgia$143,230200
California$140,870830
Louisiana$129,5800
New York$97,150190
District of Columbia$95,73060
Florida$82,400250

Pay by state

Education, experience and outlook for makeup artists, theatrical and performance

  • Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
  • Job outlook: +6.1% over ten years, faster than average · about 600 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in the U.S.

JobMedian yearly pay
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$35,790
Manicurists and Pedicurists$35,760
Skincare Specialists$45,330
Fashion Designers$80,960
Barbers$38,210
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$55,490
Shampooers$32,600
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$41,600

Other job titles for this job

Beauty StylistBody Make-up ArtistBody MuaCertified TechnicianCertified TechCommercial Makeup ArtistCommercial MuaEyelash TechnicianEyelash TechHair and Makeup ArtistHair and Makeup DesignerLash Artist

Open makeup artists, theatrical and performance jobs on JAI Bot

No open jobs in this field right now. Search all jobs or set up a free job alert.

Hiring makeup artists, theatrical and performance? Use the free hiring guide for a job description and interview questions, then post the job on JAI Bot. Every job shows typical pay to job seekers.

Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any job
Add this pay figure to your website (free)

Career sites, schools and workforce boards can show this typical pay on their own pages. Copy this code into your page:

<div data-jaibot-pay></div>
<script src="https://www.jaibot.ai/widget/pay/makeup-artists-theatrical-and-performance.js" async></script>

It updates by itself when new government figures come out.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.