What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance in the U.S. earn more than $97,150 a year — the middle 80% land between $23,360 and $167,470. About 2,340 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Service and sales workers earn about ₹15,575 a month on average — around ₹1.9 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$97,150typical pay / year
2,340people in this work
$167,470+top 10% earn
₹1.9 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Make2
Apply makeup to performers
+Build a make-up plan for tonight's show calling for natural evening looks: list products and timing for each…
Apply makeup to performers
+Build a make-up plan for tonight's show calling for natural evening looks: list products and timing for each performer, note any character-specific changes from the director, and set a prep table layout so touch-ups stay on schedule.
The tools that do the workAppointment schedulingESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Duplicate character appearances
+Recreate the lead character's established look for tomorrow's understudy: compile a step-by-step application…
Duplicate character appearances
+Recreate the lead character's established look for tomorrow's understudy: compile a step-by-step application sheet with exact product shades, photo references from the last three shows, timing for each stage, and a trial run with photographs.
The tools that do the workAdobe PhotoshopMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsO*NET
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Analysing1
Assess performers' skin type
+Assess each performer's skin today and record for the makeup file: note skin type, sensitivities, recent…
Assess performers' skin type
+Assess each performer's skin today and record for the makeup file: note skin type, sensitivities, recent products used, suggested primers or barriers, and any patch tests required before the first performance.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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The daily work17
Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
+Clean and disinfect all makeup brushes and sponges tonight: soak in brush cleanser, rinse until water runs…
Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
+Clean and disinfect all makeup brushes and sponges tonight: soak in brush cleanser, rinse until water runs clear, reshape bristles, dry flat on a towel labeled 'Production' so they are ready for tomorrow's call time at 07:00.
The tools that do the workO*NET
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Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
+Draft a working kit budget for the month that caps spend at 800 pounds, listing current stock, replacements…
Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
+Draft a working kit budget for the month that caps spend at 800 pounds, listing current stock, replacements needed, and three cheaper supplier options, then send the budget and justifications to Karla the producer by Wednesday for approval.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookO*NET
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Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.
+Compare the costume sketches, reference photos, and the plaster face model to create two makeup looks per…
Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.
+Compare the costume sketches, reference photos, and the plaster face model to create two makeup looks per character, note product lists and application steps, and present the samples to Miguel the director at wardrobe call on Friday.
The tools that do the workAdobe PhotoshopO*NET
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Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.
+Walk the venue with the lighting plot and stage plan, test a full face under the front, side and top lights,…
Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.
+Walk the venue with the lighting plot and stage plan, test a full face under the front, side and top lights, note any colour shifts or flash wash, and write a one-page briefing for the hair and lighting teams before load-in.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeO*NET
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Wash and reset wigs.
+Soak each wig in a gentle shampoo solution, rinse and condition, detangle on a wig block, air-dry on stands,…
Wash and reset wigs.
+Soak each wig in a gentle shampoo solution, rinse and condition, detangle on a wig block, air-dry on stands, and record fibre, cap size and any repairs needed in the wig inventory before Saturday's fitting.
The tools that do the workO*NET
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Cleanse and tone skin
+Perform a three-step cleanse and tone for the lead actor before makeup: remove product with a gentle…
Cleanse and tone skin
+Perform a three-step cleanse and tone for the lead actor before makeup: remove product with a gentle cleanser, apply alcohol-free toner, and note any sensitivity in the actor's skin report for continuity and the makeup notes book.
The tools that do the workjob descriptions
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Follow directions of the artistic director
+Follow the artistic director's notes for the scene call: match the period look, adjust the contouring and…
Follow directions of the artistic director
+Follow the artistic director's notes for the scene call: match the period look, adjust the contouring and eyelining to read under tungsten, prepare two alternate palettes for the lead and one for the background extras, and confirm this to Jamie by Thursday morning.
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Test make-up
+Set up a bench test for the stunt sequence: patch-test the waterproof products on the lead's skin, photograph…
Test make-up
+Set up a bench test for the stunt sequence: patch-test the waterproof products on the lead's skin, photograph each step under set lighting, note transfer and wear at 30 and 90 minutes, and report failures to the director and wardrobe before wrap.
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Analyse a script
+Read the shooting script pages for Friday's scenes, list every character's age, ethnicity and emotional beats…
Analyse a script
+Read the shooting script pages for Friday's scenes, list every character's age, ethnicity and emotional beats that affect complexion or scars, flag continuity issues for the director and hair, and propose one makeup choice per character for the rehearsal call.
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Contextualise artistic work
+Explain how the show's visual language informs makeup: write a two-page brief tying costume colours, lighting…
Contextualise artistic work
+Explain how the show's visual language informs makeup: write a two-page brief tying costume colours, lighting rigs and character arcs to texture and finish choices, include photo references from the moodboard, and circulate to the department heads by Monday.
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Study production information
+Study the production pack for the Manchester shoot, list scenes with special makeup needs, note all call…
Study production information
+Study the production pack for the Manchester shoot, list scenes with special makeup needs, note all call times and continuity photos required, and flag any unanswered questions for the hair and costume leads by Tuesday morning.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptions
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Select or mix makeup shades
+Match and mix foundation, contour and lip shades for Tom and Aisha using their continuity photos and daylight…
Select or mix makeup shades
+Match and mix foundation, contour and lip shades for Tom and Aisha using their continuity photos and daylight swatches, create labeled samples, and leave one tester tray with notes for the continuity runner before first rehearsal.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptions
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Assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming
+Be ready on set for the 08:30 technical rehearsal to assist performers with touch-ups, manage the touch-up…
Assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming
+Be ready on set for the 08:30 technical rehearsal to assist performers with touch-ups, manage the touch-up kit between scenes, and log any continuity changes in the continuity book after each take.
The tools that do the workAppointment schedulingESCO
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Check prosthetics
+Inspect all prosthetic pieces for Helen and Marcus for fit, adhesion strength and paint touch-ups, record any…
Check prosthetics
+Inspect all prosthetic pieces for Helen and Marcus for fit, adhesion strength and paint touch-ups, record any repairs needed and deliver repaired pieces to the prosthetics bench by 14:00 today.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeESCO
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Assist with quick changes
+Plan and rehearse the quick-change sequence for scene 7: map garments and hair steps, time the swaps to under…
Assist with quick changes
+Plan and rehearse the quick-change sequence for scene 7: map garments and hair steps, time the swaps to under forty seconds, station two prepped kits stage left, and brief the dresser and stagehand before first cue.
The tools that do the workAppointment schedulingESCO
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Understand artistic concepts
+Review the director’s visual brief and script to sketch three concept looks that fit the period and character…
Understand artistic concepts
+Review the director’s visual brief and script to sketch three concept looks that fit the period and character arcs, prioritise one for camera tests, and email the selected concept to the director by Thursday noon.
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Clear books
+Send the day's receipts, cancelled bookings and the cash reconciliation note to Priya in accounts and Erin…
Clear books
+Send the day's receipts, cancelled bookings and the cash reconciliation note to Priya in accounts and Erin the studio manager, mark the transaction as clear books, and ask Priya to confirm by Friday close of business.
The tools that do the workClear BooksO*NET
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Says who?
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The logs, files & records this job keeps
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Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses