Career comparison
Cosmetologist 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. $35,790), while makeup artists usually get to work faster (3–12 months of training). Cosmetologists cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best. 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
| Cosmetologist | Makeup Artist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $35,790 ($17.21/hr) | $97,150 ($46.71/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $27,040 – $71,190 | $23,360 – $167,470 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.7% (much faster than average) | +6.1% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 73,400 | 600 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 9–18 months | 3–12 months |
| Key credential | State cosmetology license | Cosmetology or esthetics license |
| Work setting | Cosmetologists work in salons, spas, barbershops and resorts, standing for long periods and working with chemicals.. | Makeup artists work on film sets, in theaters, studios, salons and at events, often on location.. |
What each job does
Cosmetologist
- Consult with clients on styles and services
- Cut, color and style hair
- Perform chemical services such as perms and relaxers
- Recommend and sell hair care products
- Sanitize tools and stations
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, working with people, hands-on work, and in-demand. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose cosmetologist if…
- I love hair and fashion
- I enjoy talking with people
- I’m creative
Choose makeup artist if…
- I’m artistic
- I love transformation and character
- I can handle long, irregular days
Still torn? Take the Cosmetologist fit quiz and the Makeup Artist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, cosmetologist or makeup artist?
Makeup Artists earn more at the median: $97,150 versus $35,790 for cosmetologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Makeup Artists typically train faster (3–12 months) than cosmetologists (9–18 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects cosmetologists to grow +7.7% from 2025–35, compared with +6.1% for makeup artists.