Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
SOC Code: 39-5091
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $50,280 and +8.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 7,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance (SOC 39-5091) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 7,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $50,280, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Makeup artists, theatrical and performance. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- 2. Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- 3. Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- 4. Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- 5. Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- 6. Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- 7. Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
- 8. Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- 9. Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
- 10. Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Makeup artists, theatrical and performance is projected to grow by 8.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 7,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Key skills for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance include Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Makeup artists, theatrical and performance earn?
The median annual wage for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $50,280, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
The typical entry-level education for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).