How much does a makeup artist make?
The median makeup artist in the United States earns $50,280 per year, about $24.17 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all makeup artists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 39-5091.
Makeup artist salary range
Pay for makeup artists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $22,010 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $157,090. The average (mean) wage of $75,410 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,010 | $10.58 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 | $13.87 | |
| Median (50th) | $50,280 | $24.17 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $132,530 | $63.72 | |
| 90th percentile | $157,090 | $75.52 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for makeup artists, theatrical and performance (SOC 39-5091), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Makeup artist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Makeup artists earn the most in California at $132,890 a year, and the least in Florida at $43,020. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| California | $132,890 | N/A |
| Georgia | $132,610 | 80 |
| New York | $100,410 | 310 |
| District of Columbia | $91,290 | 80 |
| Tennessee | $58,560 | 30 |
| Florida | $43,020 | 380 |
State median wages for makeup artists, theatrical and performance (SOC 39-5091), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for makeup artists
The BLS projects employment of makeup artists to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,300 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 600 openings a year for makeup artists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a makeup artist
The typical entry-level education for makeup artists is a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, according to the BLS.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a makeup artist earns
Employer, clientele, region, and in many cases tips shape pay. Established professionals in affluent, high cost areas earn near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (California, $132,890) and the lowest (Florida, $43,020) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 3,320 people work as makeup artists in the United States. At $50,280 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Makeup artist salary FAQ
How much does a makeup artist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a makeup artist is $24.17. The middle half of makeup artists earn between $13.87 and $63.72 per hour.
What is the highest makeup artist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of makeup artists earn more than $157,090 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a makeup artist make a year?
The median annual salary for a makeup artist is $50,280. The average (mean) wage of $75,410 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a makeup artist a well paid job?
At $50,280 a year, a makeup artist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 3,320 people work as makeup artists in the United States.
Which state pays makeup artists the most?
California has the highest median salary for makeup artists at $132,890 a year. Georgia ($132,610) and New York ($100,410) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a makeup artist a good career?
Employment of makeup artists is projected to grow 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a makeup artist?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for makeup artists as a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
Related salaries
See more in Personal Care & Service salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.