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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California
Considering working as a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California? Here’s what the data says. Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
What do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Make in California?
For a makeup artists, theatrical and performance working in California, the median annual wage is $132,890 per year (or about $63.89/hour).Pay can range from $50,280 at the 10th percentile to $159,760 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,280 | $24.17 |
| 25th percentile | $72,800 | $35.00 |
| Median (50th) | $132,890 | $63.89 |
| 75th percentile | $135,520 | $65.15 |
| 90th percentile | $159,760 | $76.81 |
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn a median of $36,599 per year ($17.60/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 237,220 makeup artists, theatrical and performance in the U.S..
Top States for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Employment
These states have the highest employment of makeup artists, theatrical and performance work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Florida | 380 |
| New York | 310 |
| District of Columbia | 80 |
| Georgia | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | 50 |
| Tennessee | 30 |
Highest-Paying States for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
These states pay the most for makeup artists, theatrical and performance.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $132,890 |
| Georgia | $132,610 |
| New York | $100,410 |
| District of Columbia | $91,290 |
| Tennessee | $58,560 |
| Florida | $43,020 |
Skills
Key makeup artists, theatrical and performance skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for makeup artists, theatrical and performance, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance typically:
- Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
- Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.
- Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
Work Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Developing and Building Teams
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Photoshop
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Careers similar to makeup artists, theatrical and performance include:
- Craft Artists
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Fashion Designers
- Floral Designers
- Graphic Designers
Also Known As
Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Body Make-Up Artist (Body MUA), Certified Technician (Certified Tech), Character Artist, Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA), Eyelash Technician (Eyelash Tech), Hair and Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Designer, Lash Artist (Eyelash Artist), Makeup Artist (MUA), Makeup Technician (Makeup Tech), Makeup Worker.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-5091.00