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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$95,730
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.9% vs 2024
$88,560
Mean Salary
$95,730
Median Salary
$46.02
Hourly Rate
60 people work as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $52,000$52,00025th25% earn less than $68,560$68,560MedianHalf earn more than $95,730$95,73075th75% earn less than $95,730$95,73090thTop 10% earn more than $111,870$111,870

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $95,730 per year ($7,977/month). This is 16.6% below the national average of $114,827. District of Columbia ranks #5 out of 6 states for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay. Approximately 60 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 4.9% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia

Salaries for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia range from $52,000 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $111,870 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $68,560 and $95,730.

Median $95,730
P10: $52,000 P25: $68,560 P75: $95,730 P90: $111,870
10th
$52,000
25th
$68,560
Median
$95,730
75th
$95,730
90th
$111,870
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,000 $25.00 $4,333
25th Percentile $68,560 $32.96 $5,713
Median (50th) $95,730 $46.02 $7,977
75th Percentile $95,730 $46.02 $7,977
90th Percentile (Experienced) $111,870 $53.78 $9,322

Note: The mean (average) salary of $88,560 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#5
District of Columbia ranks #5 of 6 states
$114,827
National avg. for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
-16.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in District of Columbia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Data in District of Columbia

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary by State

Compare Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia is $95,730 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $88,560.
What is the salary range for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia range from $52,000 at the 10th percentile to $111,870 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $68,560 and $95,730.
What is the starting salary for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance positions in District of Columbia typically start around $52,000 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $68,560 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 60 people are employed as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia is approximately $46.02 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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