Rates, 2026
What should a hair and makeup artist charge in a major city?
About $550 a day for a hair and makeup artist who is working and booked in a major city like Chicago, Atlanta, Miami or Austin. $400 in the first years, $700 when senior.
Other markets: New York or LA · remote · a smaller market
First years
$400
a day · $50 an hour
Working, booked
$550
a day · $70 an hour
Senior, sought after
$700
a day · $90 an hour
The rate card, working level
- Day rate$550 per day
- Hourlyfor anything that does not fit a day$70 per hour
Sold by the day. The day is the unit; half days run 60%.
What to charge for each thing
Ranges for a major city like Chicago, Atlanta, Miami or Austin: the low end is the first years, the high end is senior. Working and booked sits in the middle.
- Half day$225 to $425 per half day
- One look, one person (touch-ups extra)$125 to $300 per person
- Bridal or event, on location$175 to $375 per person
- Kit fee$20 to $65 per day
How the number is made
Hair and makeups at this level in this market day at about $550 ($400 to $900 in New York and LA). Put in the year you actually want on the perfect price page and the number moves with it.
Questions
- What is a fair day rate for a hair and makeup artist in a major city like Chicago, Atlanta, Miami or Austin?
- About $550 a day for someone working and booked, $400 in the first years, $700 when senior and sought after. Half days usually run 60% of the day.
- Are these rates a rule?
- No. They are US 2026 ranges for the role, placed by level and moved for the market. What a client actually paid you beats all of it. The tool has a box for that, and it wins.
Your number, in five seconds.
Pick your level and market, get a card you can send the next client who asks. Then RostrLab quotes, papers, invoices and chases every job with it: free for 14 days, $29 a month, never a cut.
More in production crew
producerdirectordirector of photographycamera operatorsound mixergafferwardrobe stylistproduction assistant