Working as a makeup artist is about more than helping clients look (and feel!) their best. It’s a career – and that means it has to fill your wallet. But do makeup artists make good money?

Makeup artists see their salaries fluctuate based on where they live, the kinds of gigs they’re landing, and how many fabulous clients they have lined up. Since there are so many variables, it’s hard to predict how much you’ll make as a makeup artist.

Here’s an overview of the average makeup artist’s salary with the factors that influence that number. Plus, learn some pro tips for pricing your services and making your beauty empire profitable.

An Overview of the Makeup Artist Industry

The makeup industry is on fire. With the explosion of social media and beauty influencers, more people are discovering the power of a killer look. Opportunities are blooming everywhere, whether you’re doing bridal makeup, special effects for films, or editorial shoots.

Experts say the demand for makeup artists – especially in the entertainment industry – is projected to grow at a rate of nearly 17% from 2024 to 2029. This surge is part of an exceptional growth trend in the beauty industry, which is quickly outpacing other sectors. 

What’s driving this growth? Inclusivity, creativity, and cruelty-free products, baby! Clients seek makeup artists who provide personalized experiences that resonate with their unique styles and values. With these exciting shifts, now’s the time to make your mark on the beauty scene and become a professional makeup artist.

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Makeup Artist Average Salary

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On average, makeup artists make around $32 an hour – not too shabby! With a full-time schedule, this adds up to about $5,280 in a month. But rates vary depending on your experience and location. Some people make minimum wage, while others charge almost $100 per hour.

Now, how much does a makeup artist make a year? The average artist pulls in a little over $74,000 annually, but this also varies based on experience and hours. You might not make as much if you’re just starting out. Don’t worry – once you gain experience, your salary can rise significantly. Some professionals make $181,236 a year or more, so keep hustling.

Makeup Artist Salary by U.S. State

One major factor impacting your earnings is the state you work in. Each state has its own mini beauty market, which is determined by local demand, cost of living, and regional industry standards. 

States with exciting entertainment scenes or glamorous fashion events (like California) usually offer higher pay to attract the best talent. Those with a higher cost of living (like New York) may also offer better salaries to help offset those expenses. On the other hand, if you live in a state that’s not exactly a beauty hotspot, you might see lower earnings.

Some of the highest-paying states include Oregon, Alaska, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. Makeup artists in these states can expect to make around $60,000 per year on average. On the other end of the spectrum are Kansas, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Florida. If you work in one of these states, you’ll probably make $36,000 to $42,000 per year.

As you plan your career, do your research on how much makeup artists make in your state. If the average doesn’t align with your goals, consider how you can elevate your skills to command higher rates or specialize in niche, in-demand services. Or, think about exploring opportunities in a more lucrative area where your talent can truly shine.

Does Your Type of Job as a Makeup Artist Affect Your Salary?

Absolutely! The type of makeup artist role you choose can significantly impact your earnings. While a passion for beauty is universal, different specialties come with their own demands, skill sets, and potential pay. Let’s break down the various types of artists and their corresponding salary ranges.

Bridal Makeup Artist

Bridal makeup artists help brides look their absolute best on their special days. This role often requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create a flawless look that lasts for hours (plus dancing the night away). Given the importance of looking perfect at your wedding, these artists can charge higher rates. 

The average bridal makeover costs about $140, but the average bridal makeup artist salary is higher than that because most people hire artists for the entire wedding party. And of course, you could always double up on weddings – or charge more for premium services – to boost your earnings.

Fashion Makeup Artist

Some artists thrive in the fast-paced world of fashion shows and editorial photo shoots. They work closely with designers and stylists to create stunning looks that align perfectly with the vision of the project. These talented makeup artists are known for their creativity and versatility, often experimenting with bold colors and innovative techniques to make each look pop.

In the fashion industry, you can bring home a solid hourly rate, especially if you work on high-profile projects or with well-known brands. With a strong portfolio and network, you can charge higher rates, particularly during major events like fashion week.

Film and TV Makeup Artist

Film and TV makeup artists transform actors into their on-screen personas. They ensure the makeup enhances the storytelling, whether that means dazzling glam or scary special effects. Hollywood is a lucrative industry for makeup artists to work in – the average salary in this field was $75,000 in 2017, and that means the numbers are only higher today.

That said, most film and TV professionals work freelance, which brings some financial unpredictability. If you’re thinking of diving into this world, be prepared to balance your budget to account for the slower months.

Theatrical Makeup Artist

Theater makeup artists specialize in creating bold, expressive looks that pop under stage lights and can be seen from afar. They often use dramatic colors and specialized techniques to make sure performers’ makeup holds up. 

On average, theatrical professionals make around $23 hourly or $47,000 per year. But if you’ve got serious skills and a standout portfolio – or if you work in the big leagues, like on Broadway – you could make up to $141,060 or more.

Permanent Makeup Artist

Permanent makeup artists are cosmetic tattoo artists. They apply pigment to areas like the brows and lips to give clients a polished look that stays put. Perfect brows without the daily hassle? Yes, please!

These professionals can make around $35,900 a year, depending on how many clients they take and their precision and skill. If this sounds like the career for you, note that you’ll need specialized tattoo artist training, licenses, and certifications.

Celebrity Makeup Artist

Do you find yourself gushing over red-carpet makeup or Met Gala glam? Celebrity makeup artists are the magicians behind those iconic looks. They cater to high-profile clients for photoshoots, events, and premieres.

These top-tier artists typically charge $25 per hour, but many earn thousands daily. Like film and TV professionals, they usually work freelance, so there might be slower or stronger months. 

Beauty Counter Makeup Artist

Beauty counter artists bring glam to the retail floor, giving clients hands-on product demos and personalized makeup advice at stores like Sephora. These artists are masters of product knowledge and customer charm, so it’s a perfect job if you’re a people person. 

Beauty counter makeup artists are typically paid hourly. They make around $16 an hour, which equates to $33,280 per year full-time.

Mortuary Makeup Artist

Mortuary makeup artists apply restorative makeup for those who have passed, creating a respectful and natural appearance for funeral viewings. This role requires sensitivity and professionalism, and it can be highly rewarding as you offer grieving families comfort through artistry. 

Mortuary artists earn an average of $66,000 per year, but some make more or less depending on experience. Most work as independent contractors for funeral homes.

Freelance Makeup Artist

Finally, let’s talk about freelancers. They can offer whatever services they please – as long as they’re qualified to perform them – and take only the jobs they want to do. If you want a taste of all the above careers, freelancing may be a good choice for you. 

Freelance makeup artists’ pay varies widely since there may be slow periods and busy seasons. According to ZipRecruiter, the average freelance makeup artist salary is $47,772 per year.

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How To Set Your Rates as a Makeup Artist

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Knowing what to charge your makeup clients can be tricky, especially if you’re just beginning your career. To start, consider local market rates and what your target clients can afford to pay. Use this as a baseline.

If you’re freelancing, factor your costs into your rates. This should include travel expenses, your makeup toolkit and sanitizers, and the cost of maintaining your website and booking apps. Freelances often charge by the hour or per project, so set a minimum rate that covers these essentials to ensure you turn a profit.

If you work for a business, your employer might set your rates. But keep in mind there’s often room to add extra services or upsell premium products. And you can always negotiate for a higher salary as you gain experience – in fact, you should. You know your worth.

Grow Your Makeup Artist Business With GlossGenius

Knowing average salaries based on your location and specialty can help you set realistic goals and target the best opportunities. But beyond setting the right rates, having the right tools to manage and grow your business can make all the difference. That’s where GlossGenius comes in.

GlossGenius is the ultimate partner for makeup artists. With powerful tools like Online Booking, POS,  Finances, Reports & Analytics, and Goal Setting, you’ll have everything you need to manage your business and reach new heights. Sign up for a free trial today.