Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 39-5091As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the United States is $97,150 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 2,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $23,360 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $34,530 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $97,150 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $143,230 | Experienced |
| 90th | $167,470 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $143,230 | $140,560 | 200 |
| California | $140,870 | $138,420 | 830 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 | $113,830 | — |
| New York | $97,150 | $120,580 | 190 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 | $88,560 | 60 |
| Florida | $82,400 | $101,330 | 250 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the US?
The US national median wage for makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $97,150 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the US?
Pay ranges from $23,360 at the 10th percentile to $167,470 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay makeup artists, theatrical and performance the most?
The highest-paying states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance include Georgia ($143,230), California ($140,870), Louisiana ($129,580). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Georgia ($143,230) pays roughly 74% more than Florida ($82,400). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02