Top 5 cities for this job by average salary
| Los Angeles, CA | $139,860 |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $136,930 |
| Orlando, FL | $119,880 |
| New York, NY | $118,920 |
| Washington, DC | $94,150 |
Map: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by metro area
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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by state
Georgia pays makeup artists, theatrical and performance the most statewide, $140,560 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $140,560 | $143,230 | 200 | 1 | $136,930 | $136,930 |
| California | $138,420 | $140,870 | 830 | 1 | $139,860 | $139,860 |
| New York | $120,580 | $97,150 | 190 | 1 | $118,920 | $118,920 |
| Louisiana | $113,830 | $129,580 | n/a | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Florida | $101,330 | $82,400 | 250 | 1 | $119,880 | $119,880 |
| Washington, D.C. | $88,560 | $95,730 | 60 | 1 | $94,150 | $94,150 |
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $139,860 | $140,870 | $67.24 | 780 |
| Atlanta, GA | $136,930 | $160,190 | $65.83 | 140 |
| Orlando, FL | $119,880 | $108,520 | $57.63 | 160 |
| New York, NY | $118,920 | $97,150 | $57.17 | 180 |
| Washington, DC | $94,150 | $95,730 | $45.27 | 70 |
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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary: questions
Where do makeup artists, theatrical and performance make the most money?
In Los Angeles, CA, with an average of $139,860 a year, among the 5 metro areas we cover.
What is the average makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary in the U.S.?
$102,240 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $97,150, so half of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn more than that and half less.
What salary should makeup artists, theatrical and performance ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of makeup artists, theatrical and performance nationwide earn between $34,530 (25th percentile) and $143,230 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays makeup artists, theatrical and performance the most?
Georgia, with a statewide average of $140,560 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Where is makeup artists, theatrical and performance pay the lowest?
Washington, DC, at $94,150 a year on average. Lower pay often comes with lower prices: check the cost of living on each city page.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 39-5091.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.