What is the salary of a Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance?

The typical salary range is $35,196 - $70,392 per year.

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodGrowingBright Outlook

Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance

Operational-level

Also known as: Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist

Hospitality, Travel, & FoodBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist, you transform performers to fit their roles, whether for a stage play, film, or live event. You'll carefully apply makeup, often using special techniques or prosthetics, to match historical periods, character traits, or specific effects. You work closely with actors, directors, and costume designers, often under time pressure, to achieve the perfect look. This role suits creative individuals who are great listeners, keen observers, and enjoy working hands-on as part of a team.

Theatrical MakeupPerformance ArtsFilm & Television ProductionCostume & Set DesignCreative ArtsEntertainment IndustryVisual DesignHospitalityCustomer Service

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the historic Majestic Theater in downtown Cincinnati before sunrise, the stage lights still dark. Your station in the cramped dressing room is a familiar chaos of brushes, palettes, and spirit gum. Today, it’s a period drama, so you pull out your aging kit: creams, stippling sponges, and fine-tipped brushes from your robust Züca rolling case. You check the call sheet, noting the first actor, ready to transform them into a wizened courtier from the 17th century. The quiet before the storm.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Adobe Photoshop Facebook Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+6.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

600

per year (US)

Jobs today

4,300

in 2025 → 4,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists is projected to grow rapidly through 2035, with about 600 new openings each year. This is a bright outlook career with a median annual wage of $97,150. As you gain experience, you could advance to lead makeup teams, specialize in special effects, or even become a makeup instructor.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Assistant Makeup Artist
Beauty Salon Assistant

Makeup Artist, Theatrical and Performance

Where it can lead

Head Makeup Artist
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Makeup Instructor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely serve as a powerful assistant for theatrical makeup artists, aiding in design visualization, color palette selection, and even generating initial concept art, significantly boosting efficiency and creativity. While it won't replace the intricate human skill of direct application, artistic interpretation, and on-the-spot problem-solving, artists who embrace these tools could enhance their workflow and develop more complex or innovative looks.

Salary

$97,150

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Make-Up Artist/Specialist

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Theatre and Dance