Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $91,290 +81.6% vs national
Median hourly $43.89
10th percentile $31,330
90th percentile $124,790
Employed locally 90
National median $50,280

Compare Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary & buying power

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Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,330
    25th
    $47,560
    50th (median)
    $91,290
    75th
    $91,690
    90th
    $124,790

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary vs area income 74% Median Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary is 26% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $133,050
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $132,900
    California $132,890
    Georgia $132,610
    New York $100,410
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $99,650

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $35,460
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $35,910
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $44,690
    Animal Caretakers $35,760
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,610
    Concierges $36,770

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $43.89, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $66.72 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salaries?

    The median Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 81.6% above the national median of $50,280. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in Washington?

    Entry-level Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance (10th percentile) earn around $31,330 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,560.