How to Become a Makeup Artist

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Usually a certificate from an accredited cosmetology program is required for most positions.

Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited cosmetology schools below that offer programs to help get you started as a makeup artist.

How Much Does a Makeup Artist Make? 
$22,770.

Expected growth from 2012-2020:
+83,300 additional people employed

Specialization Options:
Permanent makeup artist, special effects makeup artist, and cosmetologist.

(all information above provided by the Cosmetologist pages at the BLS)

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Discover the Best Places to Become a Makeup Artist

Pennsylvania tops the list in employment opportunities for makeup artists, with well over 24,000 jobs already being offered in the field. The highest annual wages for personal care practitioners goes to New York, giving those employed in the industry a yearly mean salary of $28,500.

Makeup artists are able to work in a few different settings.

  • Location types include:
  • Beauty salons
  • Spas
  • Tattoo shops
  • Independent artists

Salary and Employment Information by State for Makeup Artists

Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in the Makeup Arts. All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a highly credible government agency.

Employment and Information Data for Makeup Artist

Why Become a Makeup Artist?

Do you have a desire to make people look and feel beautiful? This is possible with a career in makeup. The trend dates back to 1980 and continues to grow in popularity today, making it a growing career path.

Carefully applying make-up on a daily basis can be a hassle for some people. Makeup is a viable solution in today’s fast-paced society. A career as a makeup artist can also be used to help those less fortunate. Victims of hair loss, burns or surgery scars look to permanent makeup to lift their spirits and help raise their confidence. You can utilize your love for makeup application and beauty and help people achieve the lasting style they are looking for.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Makeup Artist

  • Skin Damage
  • Eyeliner Techniques
  • Eyebrow Techniques
  • Lip Liner Techniques

Degrees to Help You Become a Makeup Artist

Blood Borne Pathogen Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program requires permanent makeup artists to receive safety training on blood borne pathogens. Specialists learn safety methods on how to appropriately handle infectious materials.

Apprenticeship Program
Some states require makeup artists to complete an apprenticeship program before receiving a license. In an apprenticeship program, a student works under the supervision of a licensed permanent makeup artist. Aspiring artists are exposed to new techniques and improve their skills with practice.

Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals
The SPCP offers an exam to artists looking to become certified permanent cosmetics technicians.