Makeup Artist
Also called: Hair and Makeup Designer, Makeup Artist (MUA), Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA), TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist)
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
What does a Makeup Artist do?
- Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
How to become a Makeup Artist
Training: A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Skills you'll use
Is it a fit for you?
- Innovation
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Adaptability
Tools and technology
Questions people ask
How much does a Makeup Artist make?
About $97,150 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $23,360 and $167,470. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.
How long does it take to become a Makeup Artist?
Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Do you need a college degree to be a Makeup Artist?
No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school.
Is Makeup Artist a good career to get into?
O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.
Related careers
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Build my free kit →National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.