Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in District of Columbia
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in District of Columbia earn a median of $95,730 a year ($46.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,870 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $97,150. District of Columbia ranks 5th of 6 states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.09 makeup artists, theatrical and performance per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 5.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $88,560, close to the median.
Pay range for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| 25th percentile | $68,560 | $32.96 |
| Median | $95,730 | $46.02 |
| 75th percentile | $95,730 | $46.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $111,870 | $53.78 |
| Average (mean) | $88,560 | $42.58 |
Half of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,977.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,988.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,681.92 |
| Weekly | $1,840.96 |
| Hourly | $46.02 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $95,730 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,730 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for makeup artists, theatrical and performance
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $143,230 |
| California | $140,870 |
| Louisiana | $129,580 |
| New York | $97,150 |
| District of Columbia | $95,730 |
| Florida | $82,400 |
See Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance pay in every state.
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $54,570 | $26.23 |
| Shampooer | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Skincare Specialist | $77,480 | $37.25 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,620 | $17.61 |
| Concierge | $38,230 | $18.38 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,210 | $18.85 |
| Childcare Worker | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Animal Caretaker | $44,210 | $21.25 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $62,090 | $29.85 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-5091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in District of Columbia?
The median salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in District of Columbia is $95,730 a year, or $46.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,870 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid makeup artists, theatrical and performance make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of makeup artists, theatrical and performance in District of Columbia earn at least $111,870 a year. The top 25% earn $95,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for makeup artists, theatrical and performance in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,000 a year, and a quarter of makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn $68,560 or less.
How many makeup artists, theatrical and performance work in District of Columbia?
About 60 makeup artists, theatrical and performance are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.