What is a Makeup Artist?
Job Description & Duties Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Life As a Makeup Artist: What Do They Do?
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.
- Assess performers’ skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.
- Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers’ appearances.
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Makeup Artist Skills
Makeup Artists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Makeup Artist
- Hair and Makeup Designer
- Prosthetic Makeup Designer
- Commercial Makeup Artist
- Makeup Artist
- Special Effects Technician
Job Opportunities for Makeup Artists
In the United States, there were 4,800 jobs for Makeup Artist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Makeup Artist by 2026. There will be an estimated 600 positions for Makeup Artist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Makeup Artist are North Carolina, Nevada, and District of Columbia. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Indiana, or California. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Makeup Artist
The average yearly salary of a Makeup Artist ranges between $22,460 and $130,710.

Makeup Artists who work in District of Columbia, Tennessee, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Makeup Artists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
California | $79,820 |
District of Columbia | $84,320 |
Florida | $63,950 |
Georgia | $58,100 |
Hawaii | $47,720 |
Louisiana | $35,720 |
Nevada | $37,340 |
New York | $77,030 |
Tennessee | $88,090 |
Texas | $42,550 |
What Tools & Technology do Makeup Artists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Makeup Artists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Appointment scheduling software
- Blogging software
- Client databases
How to Become a Makeup Artist
Individuals working as a Makeup Artist have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Makeup Artists Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Makeup Artists employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Makeup Artist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Tiffany Bumgardner via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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