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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California

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
Salary ranges for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California

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..

Forecasted number of jobs for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

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:

Speaking  3.8 / 5
0
5
Reading Comprehension  3.6 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  3.5 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  3.2 / 5
0
5
Judgment and Decision Making  3.2 / 5
0
5
Monitoring  3.1 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Customer and Personal Service  4.4 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.1 / 5
0
5
Fine Arts  3.7 / 5
0
5
Design  3.5 / 5
0
5
Communications and Media  3.5 / 5
0
5
Administration and Management  2.9 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Top abilities for makeup artists, theatrical and performance, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Near Vision  4.1 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Arm-Hand Steadiness  3.9 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  3.9 / 5
0
5
Visual Color Discrimination  3.9 / 5
0
5
Finger Dexterity  3.8 / 5
0
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:

  • Cosmetology

Careers similar to makeup artists, theatrical and performance include:

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

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