Career comparison
Makeup Artist vs. Model
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. $48,470), while models usually get to work faster (On-the-job learning of training). Makeup artists create looks for film, TV, theater, events and photo shoots. Models pose for photos, runway shows and artists to show clothing and products.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Makeup Artist | Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $97,150 ($46.71/hr) | $48,470 ($23.30/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $23,360 – $167,470 | $34,190 – $131,470 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.1% (faster than average) | -2.1% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 700 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 3–12 months | On-the-job learning |
| Key credential | Cosmetology or esthetics license | Agency representation |
| Work setting | Makeup artists work on film sets, in theaters, studios, salons and at events, often on location.. | Models work in studios, on location, on runways and in classrooms.. |
What each job does
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
Model
- Pose for photos
- Walk runways
- Attend castings
- Fit garments
- Model for art classes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, working with people, and travel. They sit in different fields, beauty, fitness & personal care and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as creativity and confidence.
Which should you choose?
Choose makeup artist if…
- I’m artistic
- I love transformation and character
- I can handle long, irregular days
Choose model if…
- I’m comfortable on camera
- I take direction well
- I handle rejection
Still torn? Take the Makeup Artist fit quiz and the Model fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, makeup artist or model?
Makeup Artists earn more at the median: $97,150 versus $48,470 for models, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Models typically train faster (On-the-job learning) than makeup artists (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects makeup artists to grow +6.1% from 2025–35, compared with -2.1% for models.