How Much Do Makeup Artists Make?

Salary ranges for makeup artists vary depending on factors like location, experience level, and specialty (e.g., film/television, bridal, or commercial). In general, however, you can expect to earn somewhere in the range of $10–$30 per hour from a makeup artist side business.

Brand new freelance makeup artists starting from scratch with just a little professional experience can bring in $20,000–$30,000 per year if they have a decent portfolio (this works out to $9.60–$14.50 per hour based on a 40-hour work week). More seasoned artists with extensive experience or niche expertise earn an average salary of around $60,000 (which averages out to $28.85 per hour or $5,000 per month).

However, it’s important to bear in mind that these salary estimates don’t take into account the cost and upkeep of building and maintaining a makeup business. You have to budget for expenses like the cost of a professional makeup kit, insurance, taxes, retirement, and health care.

Like the case with many professions, there are a lot of different variables at play when it comes to how much you can earn as a makeup artist. Identifying these key influencing factors can help you sell your services to the highest-paying market and maximize your earnings.

Which industry you work in

When it comes to makeup artist salaries, figures can vary widely depending on whether you’re doing makeup for film and television, theater productions, weddings, or other occasions. The table below breaks down how much you can expect to earn in different fields.

Makeup Artist Estimated Salary by Industry

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 data, ZipRecruiter, and Salary.com. Yearly figures are rounded to the nearest thousand, and hourly figures are rounded to the nearest dollar. 1 2 3 4 5 6

These salaries are rough estimates, and they may not be realistic for every artist. However, they do illustrate a couple of facts about how rates work in the makeup industry. For example, you can easily charge more if you have expert skills in a special niche, like special effects or prosthetics.

Beyond the base salary, additional financial incentives like bonuses, tips, overtime pay, and commission-based jobs can significantly bolster your income as a makeup artist.

How much time you put into your work

Starting out, most entry-level makeup artists dip their toes in the water with part-time work in the industry, given the challenge of earning a substantial wage with limited professional experience. However, when doing makeup as a part-time gig, you’ll bring in roughly half as much as what you’d earn from working full-time.

The path to financial rewards involves both learning and leveling up your skills. You also need to invest time in networking and building your client base. All of this takes time and effort, so when assessing your earning potential, don’t forget to factor in how much time you can commit to doing makeup.

The scale and prestige of projects, ranging from small independent productions to major Hollywood films, can also impact compensation. This is part of why your earnings are tied to your industry or specialty.

Bear in mind that certain types of work are harder to do if you’re not available full-time, such as makeup for film and television. But if you’re starting your own side business in makeup artistry, you could accumulate significant earnings if you have enough experience to feel comfortable stepping away from your full-time job.

Whether you’re a freelancer or employee

Freelance makeup artists set their own rates, and they can theoretically charge as much as they want. This means they have higher earning potential than contracted employees. Freelancers can also require clients to pay a deposit upfront to secure their services or negotiate higher rates based on the scope and complexity of a project.

The drawback is that when working freelance, you typically have to handle your own invoicing and payment collection. Your earnings might also be more volatile and unpredictable, but if you’re working in the entertainment industry (e.g., doing makeup for film or theater), you might be able to work on contract basis for specific projects.

With that said, not all makeup artists run their own business. Some are hired to work at makeup studios, beauty salons, or spas. As an employee, your earnings are more stable, for better or for worse.

While employees may not have the same earning potential as a freelancer, they are guaranteed a basic wage. Additionally, in industries with long working hours, makeup artists might receive overtime pay for work beyond the standard hours.

Where you live

Geographic location is one of the main determinants of earnings for makeup artists. As you can make out from the table below, artists in major cities or entertainment hubs often earn more due to increased demand and higher living costs.

Top 5 States with the Highest Average Salaries for Makeup Artists

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 data. 1

With that said, even if you live in a city with ample business opportunities, you might still experience income variability as a freelance makeup artist, depending on project availability and the size of your client base.

Experience and skill level

For makeup artists, reputation is crucial. Seasoned artists with a strong portfolio of work in their area of expertise tend to command higher fees. Other reputation-related factors that can boost your earning potential include high ratings, good reviews, and referrals to back up the quality of your work.

Makeup artists can get paid in a variety of ways depending on their industry, specialization, and the nature of their work, but there are a few payment methods that are most common:

• Hourly or daily rates: Many makeup artists, especially freelancers, charge an hourly or daily rate for their services. This method is common in industries like film, television, and photography, where artists are hired for specific projects or timeframes.
• Flat fees or packages: For events like weddings or special occasions, makeup artists might charge a flat fee or offer package deals that include a specific set of services. This approach simplifies the payment process for clients.
• Commission: Makeup artists working in retail settings, such as beauty counters or stores, may earn a commission on the products they sell. This incentivizes them to promote and upsell the products they use on clients.
• Salaries and wages: Makeup artists who work as employees in beauty salons, spas, or makeup studios might receive a regular salary or hourly wage. This is more common in settings where artists provide ongoing services to clients.
• Bonuses and tips: Makeup artists can earn additional income from performance-based bonuses or tips from satisfied clients. This is often the case in service-oriented domains like bridal makeup.
• Royalties or residuals: In the film and television industry, makeup artists might negotiate royalties or residuals for their work if the project generates ongoing revenue.

If you’re working as a freelance makeup artist, admin and payroll tasks fall on you, so it’s up to you to make sure you get paid on time and in full.

Regardless of how you’re getting paid, it’s important to establish clear agreements with your clients or employers regarding payment terms, expectations, and any additional compensation before you start working.

You can earn a decent salary from doing makeup, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for opportunities to maximize your earnings. Any makeup artist can try out these income boosters, but some have start-up costs you should consider when deciding which route is right for you.

1. Find locations with a high demand for makeup artists

One of the best ways to increase your income as a makeup artist is to offer your services in places with a high demand for makeup artists. If you want to guarantee more income, figure out what differentiates your work from other artists (e.g., if you’re an airbrush artist or luxury artist) and market that to the community.

For a freelancer or side hustle makeup artist, salaries are likely to differ because you aren’t available for those full-time makeup artist jobs that offer higher and more consistent pay. In communities where people value their image and where lots of high-visibility events are hosted, you’ll find more clients who are willing to pay for a good makeup artist.

2. Network with other makeup artists

Although it might appear counterintuitive to connect with fellow makeup artists in your local area—given the perception of heightened competition—forging relationships with other artists near and far can, in fact, be the most advantageous step for your business.

There are a multitude of benefits to networking with other artists, but three primary ones stand out:

• Referrals: Every makeup artist has their own style, and if you’re not the perfect fit for a client, you can seamlessly refer them to another artist who aligns with their vision. This opens the door to mutually beneficial referral relationships where the referring artist gets commission and everybody gets more (and happier) clients.
• Help managing your workload: Acknowledging that you’re a single individual, there will be times when you can’t accommodate a makeup request due to your schedule. By adeptly steering clients towards another skilled artist, you uphold stellar customer service, and in turn, these clients tend to proactively secure your services well in advance.

Establishing working relationships can really help your career. For example, you can establish a contractual agreement with a fellow artist whose work you trust implicitly. For each client you direct their way (and vice versa), you could earn a gratifying 20% share of the total service cost—a true win-win scenario for you both.

3. Master your art

Amidst the sea of “makeup artist” masterclasses and certifications that abound, a word of caution is warranted. The truth is there isn’t a solitary, universally acknowledged gold standard certification for makeup artists.

Achieving mastery in the art of makeup entails a journey of time, extensive face-painting experience, building connections and relationships within the vibrant makeup artist community, and seeking out mentors and wisdom from seasoned professionals. The best way to do this is to attend globally renowned and reputable trade shows and events, both in person and online.

Here are three organizations and events that can help you master your makeup skills:

• International Make-Up Artist Trade Show: A beacon for the industry’s innovation and talent.
• The Makeup Show: An enriching platform where artists gather to learn, network, and flourish.
• The Powder Group: A trailblazer in cultivating artistic excellence and collaboration.

These events and groups offer more than just certificates; they provide an immersion into the essence of makeup artistry.

4. Start up (or expand) your makeup business

As mentioned, independent makeup artists have a bit more control over their earnings. If you’re working as an employee makeup artist and want to bump up your income, try venturing out into the world of freelance makeup services.

Even if you’re already running your own makeup business, there are ways to increase your revenue. For starters, you can expand your business by hiring your own assistants or staff. You can also explore approaches for expanding your client base.

The power of referrals

Don’t underestimate the impact of good word-of-mouth referrals. Make a point of providing exceptional service to your clients and ensuring they’re happy at the end of each session.

By taking these small steps toward optimal customer service, you increase the odds that your clients will tell other people they know about your makeup skills. The more new clients you attract, the more money you can earn from your makeup business.

Branching out into different types of makeup

Don’t just limit yourself to traditional makeup services. Offer makeup services for special events like cosplay conventions, theme parties, or artistic photoshoots or do special effects (SPX) makeup for Halloween parties, theater productions, or even movie sets. However, SPX kit materials are expensive, so do the math before building your kit.

5. Explore additional income streams

You can ramp up your income as a side hustle makeup artist by tapping into secondary revenue streams and expanding your horizons beyond traditional makeup services.

Here are some avenues to explore:

• Hair styling: Many clients look for combined hair and makeup services, so learning basic hairstyling techniques can significantly boost your offerings. From elegant updos to casual waves, enhancing your hairstyling skills can make you a sought-after artist.
• Photography: If you have a knack for photography, consider offering photoshoot packages. You can provide clients with a full beauty experience, including makeup, hairstyling, and a professional photoshoot. This can be especially attractive for aspiring models, influencers, or anyone looking for high-quality portraits.
• Makeup blogging or vlogging: You can make money blogging or make money on YouTube by starting your own makeup blog or video channel. This can be a fun way to share your expertise with the world.
• Personal shopping: Help clients achieve their full look by offering special packages that include makeup products that you’ve hand selected to suit their complexion, style, and needs. This is a good way to expand your makeup services.
• Makeup workshops and classes: Share your expertise by offering makeup workshops or classes, both in person and online. People are eager to learn makeup tips from professionals, and you can charge for your knowledge and guidance.
• Beauty consultations: Offer personalized beauty consultations where you assess clients’ features and recommend skincare and makeup products and techniques that suit their individual needs.
• Collaborations: Collaborate with fashion designers, photographers, or hairstylists to offer joint services or packages. This type of cross-promotion strategy can get you exposure among new audiences.

Success in these secondary revenue streams requires dedication, continual learning, and effective marketing. Know your numbers and make sure the “juice is worth the squeeze.” Continually assess the demand for your chosen services, and adapt your offerings as trends and client preferences evolve.

The costs associated with running a makeup artistry business can sometimes catch individuals off guard. From investing in a wide range of makeup products to purchasing tools and equipment, there’s an initial financial outlay to consider. Marketing and advertising efforts to attract clients can also incur expenses. All in all, you’ll likely need to shell out a few hundred dollars at least.

In addition to the financial costs, however, there are personal costs to consider. Although being a side-hustle makeup artist can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have a genuine passion for enhancing people’s beauty through your art, it’s important to understand all the implications before you get started.

Personal costs

Being a makeup artist, even just on the side, comes with its own set of nonmonetary challenges. Burnout is a real concern that can arise from inadequate time management skills and the demands of juggling a business on top of your regular commitments.

Running a makeup artistry business involves much more than wielding a brush; it entails scheduling appointments, managing bookings, purchasing and maintaining a diverse array of quality products, and maintaining a professional image across social media and other platforms.

Moreover, the life of a makeup artist can be physically and mentally demanding. Long hours on your feet, particularly during busy periods or for events, can take a toll on your energy levels. Handling a variety of client preferences and delivering consistent results can also be emotionally taxing.

To succeed as a makeup artist, it’s crucial to have effective time management strategies in place to ensure you can balance your art with your other responsibilities. A sound understanding of business fundamentals, like budgeting and pricing your services, will help you navigate the financial aspects. Lastly, practicing self-care and seeking support when needed is paramount to avoid the pitfalls of burnout.

Even with these costs and challenges, doing makeup for a living can be immensely fulfilling for those who are prepared to put in the necessary effort and commitment. The ability to make people feel beautiful and confident through your craft, combined with the joy of connecting with diverse clients, can make the venture a deeply rewarding one.