Job Features

• A makeup artist works with models, actors and actresses, and other performers and presenters, ensuring they have appropriate makeup and hairstyles before being photographed or filmed, or appearing on stage. Aside from applying cosmetic materials, makeup artists read scripts to learn how characters should look, do appropriate research and ensure continuity throughout the project with each individual and other members of the production. Some makeup artists order materials and equipment and find sources for certain items while staying within a budget. They maintain a current knowledge of available products.
  
  

Starting Salary

• Most makeup artists working in theater and other performance arts complete training at a school of cosmetology or a relevant specialized institute, notes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training might last several months to a year. Makeup artists who style hair usually need a state license. Average starting hourly pay for a makeup artist as of December 2010 was about $9.80 to $13.60, according to the PayScale salary survey website.
  
  

Salary Range

• The average yearly salary for a makeup artist as of May 2009 was about $45,000, says the BLS. The middle 50 percent of the earnings scale for makeup artists has a wide range, from about $20,000 to $61,000. The top 10 percent of earners were making over $94,500 per year in 2009. Motion picture and video industries pay the highest salaries, at an average of $85,900 per year in 2009. Performing arts companies also pay better than average, but significantly less than motion picture and video companies, at about $56,600 annually.
  
  

Location

• California is the state where makeup artists earn the most money, with the average yearly salary about $72,300 in May 2009. The Los Angeles metropolitan area is the highest-paying region in the country for makeup artists, where they were earning an average of about $83,300 in 2009. San Francisco makeup artists were earning about $62,600. New York City is another high-paying area, with average makeup artist yearly salaries around $67,000 in 2009. Although a relatively large number of makeup artists work in Las Vegas, Nevada, the average pay there is lower than the nationwide average, at about $39,000 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts increased growth in jobs for makeup artists because of increased demand for TV shows, movies and other entertainment. Most opportunities will occur in regions with many media production companies, particularly Los Angeles and New York City.