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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$140,870
Median Annual Salary
▲
+6.0% vs 2024
$138,420
Mean Salary
$140,870
Median Salary
$67.73
Hourly Rate
830 people work as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California earn a median salary of $140,870 per year ($11,739/month).
This is 22.7% above the national average of $114,827.
California ranks #2 out of 6 states for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay.
Approximately 830 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 6.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Top Skills
Speaking
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.25
Active Listening
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Judgment and Decision Making
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.04
English Language
3.61
Administration and Management
3.48
Fine Arts
3.3
Design
3.22
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
(43.5% of workers)
Salary Range: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California
Salaries for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California range from $76,340 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $169,590 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $124,800 and $143,450.
How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in California?
The median annual salary for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California is $140,870 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $138,420.
What is the salary range for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California?
Salaries for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California range from $76,340 at the 10th percentile to $169,590 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $124,800 and $143,450.
What is the starting salary for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California?
Entry-level Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance positions in California typically start around $76,340 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $124,800 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 830 people are employed as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California is approximately $67.73 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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