Average Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in California
Yes, California is a highly lucrative market for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances. With an average annual salary of $119,410, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $119,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,760.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader California economy.
Salary Overview
The average Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California earns+58.4%above the national average.
$57.4
$2,296
$9,951
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salaries in California have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary Distribution in California
The earning potential for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances in California varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.2x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $50,280, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $159,760.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $50,280 | $24.2 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,558 | $43.1 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $132,890 | $63.9 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $149,263 | $71.8 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $159,760 | $76.8 |
Detailed Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$119,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,217
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the average salary of $119,410 in California is 58% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $86,217.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make in California?
The median annual salary for a Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in California is $119,410. This typically ranges from $50,280 for entry-level positions to $159,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 58.4% higher than the national median of $75,400.
Is California a good place for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances?
Yes, California is financially attractive for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances. The average salary of $119,410 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is California a good place to live for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performances?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes employees in the California area with a job density of per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salaries by State
Top Jobs in California
- All Occupations Salary in California
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in California
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in California
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in California
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in California
- Management Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in California
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in California
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in California
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in California
- Browse All Jobs in California →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California