Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary (2025)
Based on 2,340 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $23,360 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $34,530 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $97,150 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $143,230 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $167,470 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$23K
25th
$35K
Median
$97K
75th
$143K
90th
$167K
Highest Paying States for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $140,560 |
| California | $138,420 |
| New York | $120,580 |
| Louisiana | $113,830 |
| Florida | $101,330 |
| District of Columbia | $88,560 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Georgia at an average of $140,560 per year, while District of Columbia has an average of $88,560 — a difference of $52,000. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,340 workers were employed as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Personal Care and Service Occupations. The annual mean wage of $102,240 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 39-5091