Money · 1 of 5
What makeup artists make
Median
$97,150
Lower 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 that is mostly union film and television work, and its median is $97,150 a year while the bottom tenth are near $23,360. Salon, bridal and beauty counter makeup is counted with cosmetologists and skin care specialists instead, and pays far less.