Esthetician
Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.
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Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career
Makeup Artist
Also called: Theatrical Makeup Artist · Film and TV Makeup Artist · Special Effects Makeup Artist · Bridal Makeup Artist
What makeup artists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a makeup artist do?
Makeup artists apply makeup and prosthetics for performers in film, television and theater, and for clients at events and photo shoots. The median pay is $97,150 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–12 months, and employment is projected to grow +6.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$97,150$46.71/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.1%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train3–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs4,300Employment, 2025
What makeup artists do
Makeup artists transform faces. In film, TV and theater, they design and apply looks that read on camera or stage, maintain continuity between takes and create special effects such as aging, wounds and prosthetics. Others work weddings, events, fashion shows and photo shoots.
Many makeup artists train in makeup schools or cosmetology programs; some states require a license for paid makeup services. Film and TV artists may join unions. Portfolios and networks are key to getting hired.
Typical duties
- Consult with directors, performers or clients
- Design looks for characters or events
- Apply makeup and prosthetics
- Maintain continuity during shoots
- Touch up between scenes
- Sanitize brushes and kits
- Build and update a portfolio
Work environment and schedule
Makeup artists work on film sets, in theaters, studios, salons and at events, often on location.
Schedule: Hours are irregular, with very early calls and long days on productions; freelance work varies.
A day in the life
- Arrive on set and set up the makeup trailer.
- Apply makeup to the lead actor and photograph it for continuity.
- Apply an aging prosthetic to another actor.
- Touch up between takes.
See a full day in the life of a makeup artist →
Makeup Artist salary
Half of makeup artists earned more than $97,150 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $23,360 for the lowest 10% to $167,470 for the top 10%.
Full makeup artist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a makeup artist
- Learn makeup techniques
- Build a portfolio
- Get licensed if required
- Work events and productions
- Advance
Many makeup artists complete makeup school, cosmetology or esthetics programs. Some states require a license for paid makeup services.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a makeup artist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Makeup application
- Color theory
- Special effects and prosthetics
- Continuity
- Sanitation
People skills
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Calm under pressure
- Networking
All makeup artist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative, artistic work
- Exciting productions and events
- High pay in film and TV
- Freelance freedom
Cons
- Irregular, freelance work
- Long days and early calls
- Competitive entry
- Building a portfolio takes time
Certifications and licenses
- Cosmetology or esthetics license: Required in some states for paid makeup work.
- Makeup school certificate: Formal training programs.
- Special effects makeup training: Prosthetics and FX courses.
- Union membership: For film and TV work, such as IATSE locals.
Career path
- Makeup Assistant: Assist artists.
- Makeup Artist: Create looks.
- Key or Department Head: Lead makeup departments.
- FX Specialist or Studio Owner: Specialize or run a business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Makeup Artist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as apply on-camera makeup and maintain continuity, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Makeup Artist vs. Esthetician · Makeup Artist vs. Cosmetologist · Makeup Artist vs. Camera Operator · Makeup Artist vs. Fashion Designer
Makeup Artist FAQ
Do makeup artists need a license?
Some states require one for paid services.
How do you get into film makeup?
Build a portfolio, network and assist experienced artists.
Is makeup artistry freelance?
Often, yes.
How much does a makeup artist make?
The median annual wage for makeup artists was $97,150 ($46.71 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,360 and the highest 10% earned more than $167,470.
How long does it take to become a makeup artist?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. Many makeup artists complete makeup school, cosmetology or esthetics programs. Some states require a license for paid makeup services.
Do you need a degree to be a makeup artist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
More makeup artist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-5091 (Makeup artists, theatrical and performance).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.