Position
Salary

How much does a Makeup Artist make?

The average salary for a Makeup Artist is $56,594 per year in the US.

Makeup artists create looks that enhance beauty and fit the needs of their clients. They work in many different settings, from film sets to fashion shows. The average yearly salary for a makeup artist is around $56,594. This can vary based on experience, location, and the type of work they do.

The salary range for makeup artists can be quite broad. The lowest-paid makeup artists earn about $29,000 a year. The highest-paid makeup artists can make over $180,000 annually. Most makeup artists fall somewhere in the middle. For example, those with a few years of experience might earn between $56,000 and $70,000. As they gain more experience, they can see their salary increase. Working in a big city or for a high-profile client can also lead to higher earnings.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Makeup Artist?

Job seekers looking to become makeup artists can find some of the best pay in Nashville, TN, where the average salary reaches $97,150. Cities like Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive wages, with averages around $78,610 and $74,855, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those skilled in makeup artistry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Makeup Artist jobs, highlighting Nashville, TN with the highest at $97,150 and Dallas, TX with the lowest at $44,432.
  1. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $97,150
    Nashville offers a vibrant scene for beauty professionals. With its thriving music industry, artists often need a polished look. Working here means collaborating with top musicians and fashion designers.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Nashville, TN


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $78,610
    Boston's fashion and theater scenes create many opportunities. Beauty professionals here work with models, actors, and event planners. Companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder often seek local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,855
    Los Angeles is a hub for the entertainment industry. Makeup artists here work on film sets, music videos, and TV shows. Major studios like Warner Bros. and Disney often hire local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $58,492
    Las Vegas offers a dynamic environment for beauty professionals. With its constant entertainment events, artists need fresh looks. Working here means collaborating with celebrities and event organizers.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  5. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $51,911
    Orlando's theme parks create a steady demand for beauty services. Makeup artists here work with tourists and park staff. Companies like Universal Studios and Disney often seek local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Orlando, FL


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $51,265
    San Francisco's tech and fashion industries offer many opportunities. Beauty professionals here work with models, influencers, and event planners. Companies like Google and Apple often hire local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $45,657
    Atlanta's growing film industry creates many job opportunities. Makeup artists here work on movie sets and music videos. Companies like Turner Studios often seek local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  8. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $45,444
    Raleigh's vibrant arts scene offers many opportunities. Beauty professionals here work with local artists and event organizers. Companies like Red Bull and Carolina Panthers often hire local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $44,534
    Houston's energy industry and cultural events create a steady demand. Makeup artists here work with business professionals and event planners. Companies like ExxonMobil often hire local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $44,432
    Dallas's fashion and entertainment industries offer many opportunities. Makeup artists here work with models, actors, and event planners. Companies like AT&T and American Airlines often hire local talent.
    Find Makeup Artist jobs in Dallas, TX

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

The Estée Lauder Companies offers the highest average salary for makeup artists, at $57,188. This company provides a strong foundation for career growth and professional development. Live Nation also pays well, with an average salary of $48,305, making it another excellent choice for those seeking a lucrative opportunity in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Makeup Artist jobs, highlighting The Estée Lauder Companies with the highest at $57,188 and Cady with the lowest at $38,782.
  1. The Estée Lauder Companies
    Average Salary: $57,188
    The Estée Lauder Companies offers exciting opportunities for Makeup Artists. They work in luxury beauty brands. They have locations worldwide, including the USA, Europe, and Asia. They focus on high-quality products and professional artistry.


  2. Live Nation
    Average Salary: $48,305
    Live Nation provides Makeup Artist jobs for events and entertainment. They host concerts and shows globally. They offer a dynamic work environment. Makeup Artists work in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London.


  3. Blo Blow Dry Bar
    Average Salary: $43,635
    Blo Blow Dry Bar is a popular salon chain. They offer Makeup Artist positions in many locations. They focus on beauty and hair services. Makeup Artists work in cities like Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco.


  4. Cady
    Average Salary: $38,782
    Cady is a beauty brand known for its innovative products. They offer Makeup Artist jobs in various locations. They focus on creating unique beauty experiences. Makeup Artists work in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Paris.

How to earn more as a Makeup Artist?

Aspiring makeup artists can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong portfolio showcases talent and versatility. High-quality images of different makeup styles can attract more clients. Networking with other professionals in the beauty industry opens doors to new opportunities. Attending workshops and continuing education can enhance skills and stay current with trends. Marketing through social media and a professional website can reach a wider audience. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in boosting income.

Another way to earn more involves diversifying services. Offering a range of services like bridal makeup, special effects, or airbrushing can attract different clients. Specializing in a niche, such as red carpet makeup or cosmetic tattooing, can command higher rates. Providing exceptional customer service ensures repeat business and referrals. Collaborating with photographers and stylists can lead to more job opportunities. Each of these strategies can help makeup artists increase their earnings and build a successful career.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a makeup artist:

  1. Build a strong portfolio
  2. Network with industry professionals
  3. Attend workshops and continue education
  4. Market through social media and a professional website
  5. Diversify services and specialize in a niche

Currently 67 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
67 Job Openings