Either onset for a freelance job or in the classroom teaching students how to make the most of their passion, a great day is doing makeup or teaching the art of makeup.
CAREER
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$106,920
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+11% (faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Do
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Other Job Titles Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance May Have
Commercial Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Designer, Makeup Artist, Prosthetic Makeup Designer, Special Effects Makeup Artist, Special Makeup Effects Artist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
- Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (39%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
After having learned how to be a makeup artist, you first need the passion to follow your dreams. Which requires focus, dedication and diligence. Being a makeup artist you are always a part of a team, even if it is you and a bride. So learning to work with people is very important as well as being professional at all times and being able to get the job done and done well in spite of common obstacles like last minute changes in schedule or location.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Aquire the skills necessary to do makeup as a profession. Doing your own makeup is very different than doing makeup on many different skin tones & face shapes. Just as runway makeup is very different than film makeup. There are also the sanitation procedures to learn not to spread disease.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
