Makeup Artists
O*NET title: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Also called: Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Body Make-Up Artist (Body MUA), Certified Technician (Certified Tech)
Median pay
$97,150
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$23,360 – $167,470
People employed
2,340
Holland code
ARE
Artistic · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
Makeup Artists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (5 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What makeup artists do
- 01Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- 02Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- 03Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- 04Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- 05Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- 06Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Communications and Media
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from makeup artists
- Fashion Designers75% · −17%
- Art Directors67% · +18%
- Special Effects Artists and Animators65% · +5%
- Producers and Directors61% · −7%
- Talent Directors61% · group pay
Change into makeup artists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Fashion Designers76% · $80,960
- Choreographers75% · $55,310
- Costume Attendants74% · $50,400
- Models74% · $48,470
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers71% · $39,390
Majors that lead here
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
- Make-Up Artist/Specialist
- Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.