How To Do Special Effects Makeup

Make-up artist working.

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Special effects makeup artists work in theater, television and motility picture show productions to aid in the performance by applying specialized makeup and other special furnishings. These workers typically receive training from a cosmetology training school or similar program where they learn to properly create and apply makeup for various kinds of productions. Salaries in the field can vary widely depending on different factors.

National Averages

American money.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that equally of 2009, there were about 1,930 special effects makeup artists working in the Usa. These workers earn an boilerplate hourly wage of $18.76, or about $39,020 per year. The everyman 10 percent of makeup artists earn about $seven.72 per hour, or about $16,050 per yr, while the top 10 pct earn about $30.76 per hr, or near $eighty,630 per year. The centre l per centum of these workers earn an average of $12.63 per hour, or about $26,270 per year.

Mutual Sectors

Make-up artist.

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The Agency of Labor Statistics reports that about makeup artists are employed in the "personal intendance services" sector of the industry, as of 2009. These workers earn an boilerplate wage of $12.28 per 60 minutes, or about $25,540 per year. The "performing arts companies" sector employs the second-highest number of artists, with an average salary of about $25.93 per hour, or nearly $53,930 per twelvemonth.

Highest Paying Sectors

Brand-upward artist for a movie set.

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Makeup artists employed in the "motion motion picture and video industries" accept the highest boilerplate salaries of any industry sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These workers earn an boilerplate salary of about $38.27 per hour, or virtually $79,600 per year. Those employed in the "promoters of performing arts, sports and like events," take the 2d-highest average salaries, earning about $29.99 per 60 minutes, or about $62,390 a year.

Geographic Differences

TV Presenter Receiving a Brushing of Foundation From a Makeup Artist in the Dressing Room of a TV Studio

Brand-upwardly creative person for TV.

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Makeup artists in California, New York, Florida, Illinois and Texas have the highest average salaries out of all states, as of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Makeup artists in California earn an average hourly wage of $30.38, or about $63,190 per twelvemonth. Those in New York earn about $27.77 per hr, or almost $57,760 per year. Yet, makeup artists in the New York City metropolitan area have the highest average salaries of whatsoever city, earning about $31.93 per hour, or nigh $66,410 per year.