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Salary

How much does a Makeup Artist make?

The average salary for a Makeup Artist is $61,472 per year in the US.

Makeup artists bring beauty to life through their creative talents. They work in various places like movie sets, photo studios, and fashion shows. The average yearly salary for a makeup artist is around $61,472. This means that many makeup artists can earn a good living.

Different levels of experience and skill can lead to different pay rates. For instance, those just starting out might earn less, but experienced professionals can make much more. Some makeup artists choose to specialize in specific areas like special effects or bridal makeup. These specialties can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. The field offers many paths to success for those passionate about beauty and artistry.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Makeup Artist?

For makeup artists, Nashville, TN, and Boston, MA, offer some of the highest paying job opportunities. Nashville boasts an average salary of $99,519, making it a top choice for beauty professionals. Close behind is Boston, where makeup artists can expect to earn around $83,847 on average. In Los Angeles, CA, and Chicago, IL, makeup artists also enjoy competitive salaries, with averages of $72,108 and $60,679 respectively. These cities present promising career prospects for those in the beauty industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Makeup Artist jobs, highlighting Nashville, TN with the highest at $99,519 and Raleigh, NC with the lowest at $50,727.
  1. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $99,519
    Nashville offers a vibrant music scene with opportunities to enhance talent in live performances. With its growing entertainment industry, artists can work for companies like CMT and major recording labels.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Nashville, TN


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $83,847
    Boston is a hub for fashion and media, providing diverse opportunities in high-end salons and theaters. Artists can work for notable brands and at prestigious events.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $72,108
    Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, offers endless opportunities in film, television, and modeling. Major studios and production companies require skilled artists.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $60,679
    Chicago's fashion and theater scenes provide diverse opportunities for artists. Major fashion shows and theater productions are frequent, offering stable work for professionals.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $59,215
    Orlando, with its theme parks and resorts, offers a lively environment for artists. Opportunities exist in entertainment venues and high-end events.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Orlando, FL


  6. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $56,488
    Atlanta is a growing media hub with opportunities in film, television, and fashion. Major production companies and events offer diverse job options.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $53,446
    San Francisco provides a chic and innovative environment, perfect for creative artists. Opportunities exist in fashion, film, and tech companies.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $51,365
    Houston's energy industry and cultural events offer diverse job opportunities. Artists can work in high-profile events and corporate settings.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $51,250
    Dallas offers a mix of entertainment and corporate opportunities. Artists can work for major firms and at numerous events and shows.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $50,727
    Raleigh's growing tech and creative scene provides unique opportunities. Artists can work in various settings, from local events to corporate functions.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC

What are the best companies a Makeup Artist can work for?

Many top companies offer great jobs for makeup artists. L'Oréal pays an average salary of $45,969 per year, making it one of the best options. Blo Blow Dry Bar and Cady also provide competitive salaries at $39,771 and $39,661 per year, respectively. These companies provide good opportunities for those skilled in makeup artistry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Makeup Artist jobs, highlighting L'Oréal with the highest at $45,969 and Cady with the lowest at $39,661.
  1. L'Oréal
    Average Salary: $45,969
    At L'Oréal, Makeup Artists enjoy creating beauty looks for high-end fashion shows and magazine shoots. They work in major cities like New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. The company offers excellent training and growth opportunities.


  2. Blo Blow Dry Bar
    Average Salary: $39,771
    Blo Blow Dry Bar provides a vibrant environment for Makeup Artists to work on different beauty services. They are located in many areas across the U.S., including California and Texas. Blo offers a friendly team and various client types.


  3. Cady
    Average Salary: $39,661
    Cady offers Makeup Artists the chance to innovate and develop unique beauty looks. They operate in various cities in the U.S., such as Chicago and Miami. Cady values creativity and offers a dynamic workplace.

How to earn more as a Makeup Artist?

A makeup artist has many ways to boost their earnings. This profession combines artistry with a keen business sense. Attending workshops and training can help a makeup artist learn new techniques. This can set them apart from others in the field. Networking with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities. This can lead to higher-paying gigs. Social media can also be a powerful tool for promoting services. It can reach a wider audience and attract more clients.

Building a strong portfolio can make a significant difference. This includes showcasing a variety of work. It can highlight the artist's skills and versatility. Offering additional services, such as hair styling or airbrush makeup, can also increase earnings. Charging for travel time and materials can help cover costs. Finally, setting competitive pricing can attract more clients. This can lead to a steady stream of work. By focusing on these areas, a makeup artist can find ways to earn more.

Consider these key factors to boost earnings:

  1. Attend workshops and training
  2. Network with other professionals
  3. Use social media for promotion
  4. Build a strong portfolio
  5. Offer additional services

Currently 72 Makeup Artist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Makeup Artist in the US?

Learn what a Makeup Artist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Makeup Artist today.
Position
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Makeup Artist
72 Job Openings