Makeup artist earnings vary between cities depending on which locations have theatrical production companies, resorts, boutiques, cosmetics stores, etc. The following list of average annual makeup artist salaries in the state and different Wisconsin cities is based on an aggregate of salaries taken from “help wanted” ads.
Theatrical and personal appearance makeup artists are lumped together. Salaries in rural areas are lower, as reflected in the statewide average.
- Statewide – $32,000
- Kenosha – $47,000
- Milwaukee – $44,000
- Madison – $44,000
- Waukesha – $44,000
- Lake Geneva – $41,000
- Wisconsin Dells – $41,000
- Appleton – $40,000
- Green Bay – $40,000
- Oshkosh – $40,000
- Racine – $40,00
- Sheboygan – $40,000
- Wausau – $39,000
- Eau Claire – $38,000
- Janesville – $38,000
- La Crosse – $38,000
It is important to note that gratuity typically adds as much as 25% to the take home earnings of makeup artists working in salons and spas.
Comparing Salaries in Wisconsin to Earnings Nationwide
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2013) the two types of makeup artists (personal appearance and theatrical/media production) earn the following annual salaries and hourly wages nationwide: