Essential Information
Make-up artists provide a variety of beauty services and can work for both the fashion and performing arts industries. Although there are no formal education requirements to become a make-up artist, many individuals receive cosmetology training and make-up instruction.
| Career | Make-up Artist | Skin Care Specialist | Hairstylist/Cosmetologist |
| Education Requirements | Certificate | Certificate or associate's degree | Certificate or associate's degree |
| Other Requirements | N/A | Licensure required | Licensure required |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)* | 7% growth for make-up artists, theatrical and performance | 11% growth | 8% growth for all hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $75,730 for make-up artists, theatrical and performance, annually | $34,090 annually | $26,090 annually |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Requirements for Make-Up Artists
Other than a high school diploma, official education requirements don't exist for make-up artists. However, many professionals do complete some type of training program. Cosmetology programs are offered at many vocational colleges and can teach students a broad range of beauty knowledge.
An associate's degree program in cosmetology can include classes in make-up application, skin care, haircutting and styling, nail care, sanitation and salon management. If a make-up artist decides to also work as a cosmetologist, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that he or she must receive licensure by completing an approved cosmetology program, passing a licensing exam and seeking continuing education.
Esthetician associate's degree programs also teach students make-up skills. Those who enroll in this program can study to become general skin care professionals. Classes typically include make-up application, facial and tweezing services, skin care treatments and salon business. Most skin care professionals must also pass their state's licensing exam before beginning work, reported the BLS.
Since professional make-up artists often work in the movie, TV or theater industries, some theater production bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose a make-up concentration, where they can learn skills like basic make-up application, special effects make-up and remedial make-up. Students may also have opportunities to practice their skills during school or community productions.
Career Information
Make-up artists can find employment in the beauty, fashion and performing arts industries. These professionals can use their skills to completely change a person's appearance or simply highlight certain facial features.
Duties
Make-up artists must first consult with clients to determine their needs, which requires good communication abilities. Before applying make-up, professional make-up artists must analyze the individual's skin type and facial shape. Next, they may clean and moisturize the skin to protect it from any undesirable results, like acne, and provide a clean surface to work on. Make-up artists can also instruct clients on the proper removal of make-up and may even give customers tips on self-application.
Those working in the performing arts industry may research the time period, characters or settings of the production they are working on to ensure that the make-up complements the story. Reading the script is sometimes necessary to fully grasp the production, characters and themes. Make-up artists might also need to construct and apply prosthetic pieces for their actors or fit them with wigs to aid in the character transformation.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, theatrical and stage make-up artists earned a median annual income of $75,730 as of May 2019. The majority of the jobs were available in metropolitan areas like New York City and California. A 7% job growth is predicted for this occupation from 2018-2028, according to the BLS.
Cosmetology and esthetician positions were predicted to grow more quickly, with 10% growth expected for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists and 40% expansion projected for skincare specialists from 2014-2024, due to an increase in individuals seeking beauty and skin services. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists earned a median annual income of $26,090 as of May 2019, while skin care specialists earned a median salary of $34,090 per year, reported the BLS.