Professional Makeup Cost Calculator
Calculate commercial, TV/film, and editorial photoshoot makeup artist day rates, half-day rates, overtime hours, kit rental fees, and wardrobe cross-styling.
Commercial Production Rates
Overtime & Second Assistant
Billed at 1.5x hourly rate
Commercial Makeup Production Pricing Equation
Production Invoice = Base Day Rate (or Half-Day) + Kit Fee + (Overtime Hours × Hourly OT Rate) + Assistant Day Rate + Travel Per Diem- Production Day Rates (10-Hour Day): Editorial/Catalog ($650–$950), Commercial Advertising ($1,000–$1,800), TV/Film Union IATSE ($800–$1,400).
- Half-Day Rates (Up to 5 Hours): Billed at 65%–75% of full-day rate ($450–$750) to offset lost full-day bookings.
- Kit Fees: Standard union/commercial kit consumable fee of $50 to $100 per production day.
- Overtime Multipliers: 1.5x hourly rate for hours 10–12; 2.0x double-time for hours 12+.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Estimates are based on standard national averages and current prevailing construction materials and contractor rates.
- Actual trade bids may fluctuate according to local building code requirements, permit fees, and site topography.
- Always obtain multiple written bids from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors before commencing work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Kit Fee" on a professional production invoice?
A kit fee is standard industry compensation for the artist's expensive cosmetics, professional skincare, disposable tools (spoolies, sponges, puff velours), airbrush compressors, and high-level medical-grade sanitizers.
Why don't commercial makeup artists charge per face on video shoots?
Commercial productions require continuous on-set monitoring, camera monitor checks, sweat blotting between takes, and rapid continuity touch-ups across entire shoot days, making day rates standard practice.
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