Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
The median pay for a makeup artists, theatrical and performance in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $132,900/year ($63.89/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $161K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 113.57), so that salary is closer to $117,020 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,601/month — about 33.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $133K get you in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
About makeup artists, theatrical and performances
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Entry-level makeup artists, theatrical and performances (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $133K.Top earners bring in $161K or more - a $110K 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do makeup artists, theatrical and performances make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median is $132,900 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 $160,570. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $133K enough to live in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,758/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,601/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 33.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary go in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim?
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has a Regional Price Parity of 113.57 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median makeup artists, theatrical and performance salary is worth about $117,020 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.