Theatrical and production makeup artists find work with film, TV and theater companies as well as at theme parks and carnivals. However, most makeup artists in South Dakota work in the “personal appearance” arena which focuses on making individuals look their best. They either work freelance or are employed by salons, spas, cosmetics companies or bridal boutiques.
Earning reports rarely tell the whole story about what kind of income makeup artists generate. This is because gratuity is a major part of a makeup artists take-home income, and tips are not included in salary reports.
Makeup Artist Salaries in South Dakota
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) personal appearance makeup artists earn a national average of $27,000 a year ($12.98 an hour) with a low end of $16,940 ($8.14/hour) and a high end of $$42,270 ($20.81/hour). Salaries are generally highest in metropolitan areas and large cities and lowest in small towns.
ArtistSalary.org lists the following makeup artist annual salaries in various South Dakota cities/towns (in descending order).
Makeup artistry is a creative venture and there are many avenues for a spirited individual to pursue. Mortuaries hire makeup artists to make the dearly departed look their best for viewing. Mortuary makeup artists in South Dakota can expect to earn surprisingly excellent annual salaries as seen in the following city/town table.