Makeup Artist

Explore This Path

Transform actors into characters with creative makeup artistry.
Enhance visual storytelling in films and theater through expert makeup skills.
Craft unique looks and replicate them daily for consistent character portrayal.

💰 Earn $51K-$105K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 9.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

1,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$101,420 in California

$47,390 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Makeup Artist? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@tiyanarobinsonbeauty

@rachel.luskhmua

@itsinnooo

@glamwithlunamonet

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Makeup Artist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years