Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
SOC Code: 39-5091Also known as:
Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Body Make-Up Artist (Body MUA)
Median Annual Salary
$50,280
+8.1% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
7K
Current Jobs
What Makeup artists, theatrical and performance Do
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
💰 Salary
$50,280
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
7,000
Projected Employment (2034)
7,600
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Top Skills Required
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.
- Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
- Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
- Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.
- Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.
- Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.
- Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.
- Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.
- Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.
- Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a makeup artists, theatrical and performance:
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
55,875 degrees awarded •
1,370 colleges offer this program
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
426 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
90 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become makeup artists, theatrical and performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do makeup artists, theatrical and performance make?
The median annual salary for makeup artists, theatrical and performance is $50,280.
What education do makeup artists, theatrical and performance need?
Most makeup artists, theatrical and performance positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General, Make-Up Artist/Specialist, Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing.
Is becoming a makeup artists, theatrical and performance a good career choice?
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance is projected to see +8.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Top colleges for aspiring makeup artists, theatrical and performance include
Nouvelle Institute, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, Southern Crescent Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to makeup artists, theatrical and performance?
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance may also be known as: Beauty Advisor, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Stylist, Beauty Therapist, Body Make-Up Artist (Body MUA), Character Artist, Commercial Makeup Artist (Commercial MUA), Eyelash Technician (Eyelash Tech), Hair and Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Designer, Lash Artist (Eyelash Artist), Makeup Artist (MUA), Makeup Technician (Makeup Tech), Makeup Worker, Prosthetic Makeup Designer, Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA), Special Makeup Effects Artist, TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.