Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in California
The median pay for a makeup artists, theatrical and performance in California is $132,890/year ($63.89/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $160K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $133K get you in California?
About makeup artists, theatrical and performances
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level makeup artists, theatrical and performances (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $133K.Top earners bring in $160K or more - a $109K spread from bottom to top.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $133K | +164% | N/A |
| Georgia | $133K | +164% | 80 |
| New York | $100K | +100% | 310 |
| District of Columbia | $91K | +82% | 80 |
| Tennessee | $59K | +16% | 30 |
| Florida | $43K | -14% | 380 |
Track makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do makeup artists, theatrical and performances make in California?
The median is $132,890 a year - that works out to about $63.89 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,280, and experienced makeup artists, theatrical and performances can clear $159,760. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $133K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,757/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 28.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary is worth about $132,890 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do makeup artists, theatrical and performances get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.