Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in New York (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in New York, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$97,150
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.71
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+0% vs US median
US median $97,150
State Rank
#4 of 6
190 employed here

How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in New York?

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance working in New York earn a median salary of $97,150 per year, or about $46.71 per hour. That is 0% above the national median of $97,150 for this occupation.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $78,260 while the top 10% make $192,840 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $96,540 and $146,200 a year.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$78,260$37.63
25th percentile (early career)$96,540$46.41
50th percentile (median)$97,150$46.71
75th percentile (experienced)$146,200$70.29
90th percentile (top earners)$192,840$92.71

How New York compares

New York ranks 4th out of 6 states and territories for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Georgia$143,230
2California$140,870
3Louisiana$129,580
4New York$97,150
5District of Columbia$95,730

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in other states

Working as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in New York

Nationally, about 2,000 people work as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare New York pay ($97,150) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in New York?
The median Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in New York is $97,150 per year, or about $46.71 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $78,260 at the entry level to $192,840 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance about 0% more than the national median of $97,150. New York ranks 4th out of 6 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $97,150 a year. About 190 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary report

Related salaries

Animal Caretaker

$35,360
median pay · 267,000 employed

Childcare Worker

$34,980
median pay · 519,000 employed

Skincare Specialist

$45,330
median pay · 73,000 employed

Tour and Travel Guides

$38,120
median pay · 54,000 employed

First-Line Supervisor of Gambling Services Workers

$63,820
median pay · 26,000 employed

Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other

$41,600
median pay · 60,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.