Makeup Artists Salary by State
The national median pay for makeup artists is $97,150 a year. By state, it ranges from $82,400 in Florida to $143,230 in Georgia.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $23,360
- 25th percentile
- $34,530
- Median
- $97,150
- 75th percentile
- $143,230
- Top 10%
- $167,470
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 2,340 jobs.
Median pay in 5 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | $143,230 | +47% | $64,480 | $162,190 | 200 |
| 2 | California | $140,870 | +45% | $76,340 | $169,590 | 830 |
| 3 | Louisiana | $129,580 | +33% | $22,200 | $131,970 | Not published |
| 4 | New York | $97,150 | 0% | $78,260 | $192,840 | 190 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $95,730 | −1% | $52,000 | $111,870 | 60 |
| 6 | Florida | $82,400 | −15% | $32,040 | $213,850 | 250 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Makeup Artists salary questions
Which state pays makeup artists the most?
Georgia, with a median of $143,230 a year (+47% vs. the national median of $97,150). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays makeup artists the least?
Florida, with a median of $82,400 a year (−15% vs. national).
Where do most makeup artists work?
California has the most jobs, about 830, with a median of $140,870.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.