⭐ Cosmetology ↑ 10% growth · Faster than average

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists enhance and transform faces for weddings, photo shoots, film and TV sets, and special events — a creative career where artistic talent and client service skills drive success. Bridal and editorial makeup artists with strong Instagram portfolios can build premium businesses with high per-client rates.

$45,000 Median Salary
53K US Jobs
3 months–2 years Training
$2,000–$20,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$25,000
Median
$45,000
Experienced
$95,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

10%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
53K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
State Cosmetology or Esthetics License
Required Credential
State Cosmetology or Esthetics License (varies by state)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Cosmetology School + Makeup Artistry Course
Program Length
3 months–2 years
Typical Tuition
$2,000–$20,000
Work Setting
Bridal, film/TV, editorial, theatre, self-employed
🏆 Credential Required: State Cosmetology or Esthetics License (varies by state)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Makeup Artist involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Bridal environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Makeup Artist by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC