Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

SOC code 39-5091 · O*NET-SOC 39-5091.00 · Medium preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$97,150

a year

Hourly

$46.71

per hour

10th$23,360Median$97,15090th$167,470

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$102,240

$49.16 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,530 – $143,230

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$23,360 – $167,470

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

2,340

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $23,360; $11.23/hr
25th percentile: $34,530; $16.60/hr
Median percentile: $97,150; $46.71/hr
75th percentile: $143,230; $68.86/hr
90th percentile: $167,470; $80.51/hr

What do makeup artists, theatrical and performance do?

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 33% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)33%
Post-Secondary Certificate29%
Less than a High School Diploma10%
Some College Courses10%

Common questions

How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn?

The national median is $97,150 a year. The full range runs from $23,360 at the 10th percentile to $167,470 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a makeup artists, theatrical and performance without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
English Language4.1/5
Fine Arts3.7/5
Design3.5/5
Communications and Media3.5/5
Administration and Management2.9/5
Psychology2.9/5
Sales and Marketing2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation.