How much does a makeup artist make?
Median yearly pay in the United States: half earn more and half earn less. That is $46.71 an hour or $8,096 a month.
- Hourly
- $46.71
- Average (mean)
- $102,200
- Jobs
- 2,340
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $23,360 | $11.23 | |
| 25th | $34,530 | $16.60 | |
| Median | $97,150 | $46.71 | |
| 75th | $143,200 | $68.86 | |
| 90th | $167,500 | $80.51 |
By state
Median yearly pay.
| Georgia | $143,200 |
| California | $140,900 |
| Louisiana | $129,600 |
| New York | $97,150 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 |
| Florida | $82,400 |
Highest paying cities
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Atlanta, GA | $160,200 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $140,900 |
| Orlando, FL | $108,500 |
| New York, NY | $97,150 |
| Washington, DC | $95,730 |
In other countries
Makeup Artist belongs to the international group "Beauticians and related workers".
Compare pay in 140 countriesSimilar jobs
- Barber$38,210
- Hairdresser$35,790
- Manicurist and Pedicurist$35,760
- Shampooer$32,600
- Skincare Specialist$45,330
Frequently asked questions
How much does a makeup artist make an hour?
The median hourly pay is $46.71 ($97,150 a year).
How much does a makeup artist make a month?
About $8,096 a month before tax, based on a median of $97,150 a year.
How much does a makeup artist make starting out?
The lowest-paid 10% make $23,360 or less a year ($11.23 an hour); the top 10% make $167,500 or more.
Which state pays makeup artists the most?
Georgia, with a median of $143,200 a year, followed by California ($140,900) and Louisiana ($129,600).
Which city pays makeup artists the most?
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, with a median of $160,200 a year.
How many makeup artists are there in the United States?
About 2,340 people work as makeup artists.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.