Salary Information for Makeup Artists

Makeup artists use cosmetic products and applicators to enhance people's appearance.

Makeup artists use makeup to alter a person's appearance. Makeup artists in the theatrical and performance industry work for film production companies, television stations and theater groups. They apply makeup to actors to augment their appearance or to help the performer better fulfill their role or reflect the story's setting. Others work in personal care salons, where they apply makeup to individual clients to enhance their appearance. The earnings of makeup artists can vary significantly and are dependent on factors like work experience, geographic location and industry.

Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist Salary

According to a May 2008 salary report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), theatrical and performance makeup artists in the United States earned $18.76 per hour on average. That results in an average annual salary of $39,020. The median hourly wage was $12.63 and the middle half eared between $9.00 and $25.04. The lowest paid tenth of makeup artists made less than $7.72 and the highest-earning 10 percent made more than $38.76, according to the report.

Cosmetologist Salary

Cosmetologists, personal beauty care workers at salons, may also work with makeup. Cosmetologists are often hired by women to apply makeup before special events like weddings or high school proms. They are under a separate BLS category and earn less than makeup artists in the theatrical business. According to a May 2008 salary report by the BLS, the median hourly wage for cosmetologists was $11.13. The median 50 percent made between $8.57 and $15.03 and the 10 percent of cosmetologist who earned the lowest salaries made less than $7.47. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $20.41 hourly. These figures include tips.

Work Experience

The earnings of makeup artists increase along with work experience. According to a March 2010 salary survey by Payscale.com, makeup artists with between one and four years of work experience can expect to earn between $10.08 and $20.07 hourly. That median hourly wage range increases to $15.26 through $25.21 for makeup artists with between five and nine years of work experience. Those who have been on the job for between 10 and 19 years bring home between $16.91 and $28.49. The wages for cosmetologists also increase as they gain more experience.

Industry

The earnings of makeup artists vary significantly by industry. The highest earning makeup artist' work in the motion picture and video industry, according to a May 2008 salary report by the BLS. They earn $79,600 per year on average. That breaks down to $38.27 hourly. Makeup artists employed by the performing arts companies make $53,930 annually, or $25.93 per hour. Those in the television broadcasting industry earn $40,720 each year and $19.58 per hour. Makeup artists in the personal care services industry, which is also the industry with the highest levels of employment for the occupation, earn $25,540 per annum, which equals $12.28 per hour.

Geographic Location

Another factor that can impact the earnings of makeup artists is geographic location. In general, makeup artists operating in large metropolitan areas earn higher incomes than their counterparts in non-metropolitan parts of the country. This is likely due to the relatively higher cost of living in urban centers as well as the prevalence of performing arts venues in cities. Unsurprisingly, California and New York--states with many media production companies--have the highest average salaries for makeup artists. Makeup artists in California earn $63,190 per year on average, which works out to $30.38 hourly. Those in New York make $57,760, or $27.77 per hour.

References

• BLS: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• BLS: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• BLS: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers
• BLS: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Payscale.com