Career comparison
Camera Operator vs. Makeup Artist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Makeup artists earn more at the median ($97,150 vs. $74,990), while makeup artists usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Camera operators shoot video for film, TV, news, sports and online content. Makeup artists create looks for film, TV, theater, events and photo shoots.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Camera Operator | Makeup Artist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $74,990 ($36.05/hr) | $97,150 ($46.71/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $38,520 – $135,180 | $23,360 – $167,470 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +1.3% (slower than average) | +6.1% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,500 | 600 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 4 years or on-set experience | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | Cosmetology or esthetics license |
| Work setting | Camera operators work on film sets, in studios, at sports venues, news scenes and events, often on location.. | Makeup artists work on film sets, in theaters, studios, salons and at events, often on location.. |
What each job does
Camera Operator
- Set up and operate cameras
- Frame and compose shots
- Pull focus and set exposure
- Operate dollies, gimbals and cranes
- Follow the director’s shot list
Makeup Artist
- Consult with directors, performers or clients
- Design looks for characters or events
- Apply makeup and prosthetics
- Maintain continuity during shoots
- Touch up between scenes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, hands-on work, travel, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, arts, media & design and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as teamwork and creativity.
Which should you choose?
Choose camera operator if…
- I love film and TV
- I have a strong visual eye
- I enjoy teamwork
Choose makeup artist if…
- I’m artistic
- I love transformation and character
- I can handle long, irregular days
Still torn? Take the Camera Operator fit quiz and the Makeup Artist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, camera operator or makeup artist?
Makeup Artists earn more at the median: $97,150 versus $74,990 for camera operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Makeup Artists typically train faster (3–12 months) than camera operators (4 years or on-set experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects makeup artists to grow +6.1% from 2025–35, compared with +1.3% for camera operators.