Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in 2026
How Much Do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances Make?
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances earn a median annual salary of $50,280 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $22,010 at the 10th percentile to $157,090 at the 90th percentile — a range of $135,080. The highest-paying state is California at $132,890.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,010 |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 |
| Median (50th) | $50,280 |
| 75th percentile | $132,530 |
| 90th percentile | $157,090 |
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $132,890 |
| Georgia | $132,610 |
| New York | $100,410 |
| District of Columbia | $91,290 |
| Tennessee | $58,560 |
| Florida | $43,020 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$22,010 – $28,850 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$50,280 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$132,530 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $157,090+ |
How to Earn More as a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances in New York earn $100,410 — $50,130 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($132,530) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performancethis career | $50,280 |
| Craft Artist | $38,480 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrator | $60,560 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animator | $99,800 |
| Fashion Designer | $80,690 |
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SOC: 39-5091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.