Money · 1 of 5
What makeup artists make
Median
$97,150
Bottom tenth
$23,360
Top tenth
$167,470
Read this one carefully. The federal wage survey line is theatrical and performance makeup artists, a small group of about 4,300 people in film, television and theater, and its median is $97,150 a year while the bottom tenth earn $23,360 or less. Salon, bridal and beauty counter makeup is counted with cosmetologists (median $35,790) and skincare specialists (median $45,330) instead.