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People with training in cosmetics and skincare can work as Makeup Artists. The entertainment industry hires the most makeup artists, followed by fashion houses and magazines. Many makeup artists are independent freelancers, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a median wage for the job title at over $45,000 a year. The demand for makeup artists is higher in Los Angeles and New York City, but jobs as makeup consultants and event makeup artists are available anywhere.

Makeup Careers in Los Angeles

L.A. is all about film and television production. Many jobs in this industry are covered by unions, and union makeup artists earn a good living. There are also jobs for freelance makeup artists and positions in retail stores that sell cosmetics.

Theatrical Makeup Artists: Makeup artists in Los Angeles often work on the set of movies and television shows to make actors look their best or conform to a particular look for a character. They are members of a union. Film and television makeup artists in Los Angeles earn between $60,000 and $100,000 a year, depending on the union scale, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some people with makeup skills work as special effects (SFX) makeup artists, designing and creating makeup effects and prostheses to turn actors into aliens or animals or give them wounds. Salary.com reports a yearly salary range for SFX makeup artists in Los Angeles between $45,000 and $80,000.
Event/Editorial Makeup Artist: Makeup artists also do makeup for photo shoots, commercials, and celebrity events, and often work as freelancers in these environments. They can be paid per event or sign a contract for a period of time. Event/editorial makeup artists make between $50,000 and $80,000 annually.
Makeup Retail Specialist: Some people with makeup skills work in retail stores. They do makeovers and help customers find products that fit their needs. Makeup retail specialists in Los Angeles earn between $15 and $25 per hour plus a commission on sales.

Makeup Careers in New York

In New York, makeup artists often work in live theater, television, or the fashion industry. There are also jobs for makeup artists who contract for weddings and other special events.

Theatrical Makeup Artist: Makeup artists in New York City can work on actors in live theater productions or in television studios. These are often union jobs that pay between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, according to the BLS.com.
Fashion Makeup Artist: The fashion industry also employs makeup artists, and New York is a world fashion center. These makeup professionals apply cosmetics on models for magazine photo shoots and runway shows and earn between $25 and $40 an hour.
Event Makeup Artists: Some makeup artists specialize in bridal and special event makeup. They travel to the event location and bring supplies with them. Event makeup artists are usually freelancers and earn somewhere between $300 and $600 per event.

Industries Hiring Makeup Artists

Many makeup artists work in the entertainment industry. These are often union jobs, but there are also opportunities for freelancers. Makeup artists also work in fashion and retail.

Film and Television: Some major movie studios that hire makeup artists include Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Studios, and Paramount. Some major television production companies include Amazon, MGM, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney General Entertainment, Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Paramount Global, Sony, and Starz Entertainment.
Live Theater: Broadway theaters hire makeup artists to work on live productions. Some of these companies include 321 Theatrical Management, AKA NYC, Atlantic Theater Company, ARTHOUSE, Bespoke Theatricals, Boneau/Bryan-Brown, The Broadway League, and Disney.
Fashion: Fashion houses and magazines also hire many makeup artists for runway shows and photo shoots. Some fashion companies in the U.S. include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and Khaite. Fashion magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, GQ, W, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated, and Essence also hire makeup artists for feature photo shoots and advertisements.
Retail: Makeup artists often find jobs selling and demonstrating cosmetics in retail stores, especially early in their careers. Some retail brands that hire people to sell makeup include Sephora, MAC, Ulta, Clinique, and Estee Lauder.

Trends Affecting Makeup Jobs

One of the strongest trends affecting makeup jobs is the rise of social media beauty influencers. Makeup artists like Gabriel Zamora, Jenny Moon, Briana Marie, Jackie Aina, and Jeffree Star have carved niches for themselves on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Popular influencers can enter into agreements with cosmetic brands to sponsor videos or create custom products such as eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, or moisturizers.

Some beauty influencers present tutorials on topics such as choosing makeup for specific skin tones or using makeup to accentuate the lips or eyes. Others specialize in product reviews or debunking beauty myths. Influencers like Huda Kattan, Jeffree Star, Michelle Phan, and Manny Gutierrez have leveraged their social media platforms to launch their own cosmetic brands.

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Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

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Featured Classes from Noble Desktop

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Makeup Classes Near Me

The Makeup Academy 5-week Master Makeup Artistry Program

Learn More About Makeup Courses

Makeup Careers in Los Angeles

Makeup Careers in New York

Industries Hiring Makeup Artists

Trends Affecting Makeup Jobs

Makeup
Corporate & Onsite Training

Makeup Training Map & Top Locations

1 Course Available in NYC

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

The Makeup Academy 5-week Master Makeup Artistry Program

Learn More About Makeup Courses

Makeup Careers in Los Angeles

Makeup Careers in New York

Industries Hiring Makeup Artists

Trends Affecting Makeup Jobs

Makeup Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Makeup Training Map & Top Locations

1 Course Available in NYC

Makeup
Corporate & Onsite Training