The 5 Highest-Paying Makeup Artist Jobs

The 5 Highest-Paying Makeup Artist Jobs In 2022

Are you a professional makeup artist, or are you passionate about becoming a makeup artist? If you are looking for the highest-paying makeup artist jobs, and are confused about how to find one? You are in the right place. 

You can use this article to find a job that meets your qualifications. Go through this post to learn more about makeup artist career paths, the highest-paying jobs, and the highest-paying cities for a makeup artist. 

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Makeup Artist

Makeup Artists (MUAs) are professionals with artistic skills who are experts at using makeup to enhance the beauty of models and radically change their appearance if necessary to suit their needs. They are also known for teaching master classes to potential makeup artists or people who want to expand their knowledge.

The following are some of the roles and responsibilities of a makeup artist:

  • The makeup artists must stay up to date on the latest trends in fashion and beauty to create unique designs for their clients.
  • Working with clients to create a custom look that meets their needs.
  • Taking off makeup after filming.
  • They are coordinating with set designers, costume designers, and stylists to ensure consistency.
  • Analyze requirements from a visual and technical perspective.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and relaxed work environment.

Highest-Paying Makeup Artists Jobs in the U.S.

The average salary for a makeup artist in the U.S. is $16.06 per hour and $33,400 per year. The lowest 10% earned less than $10.48, and the highest 10% earned more than $28.88

The highest-paying makeup artist job
The highest-paying makeup artist job

CAREER PATH

To pursue your career as a makeup artist, you must know the career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, makeup artists are anticipating 8% growth during the years 2022-2032, this is faster than average. Let’s discuss some of the career options available for a makeup artist. As a licensed makeup artist you may have the following career opportunities:

  • Bridal Makeup
  • Beauty Writer
  • Theatrical Makeup Artist
  • Product Development
  • Beauty Retail

Makeup Artist Job Openings

If you are passionate about being a makeup artist or someone who has been looking for job options in the beauty industry, being a makeup artist is one of the best in-demand careers you can consider. There are a lot of opportunities available for makeup artists in the industry. Now, let’s discuss the most recent, and ongoing job openings for makeup artists:

JOB 1:

Company name: NARS Cosmetics

Role: Makeup Artist

NARS Cosmetics is a product manufacturing industry actively hiring a full-time makeup artist. They are seeking a candidate with 3-5 years of cosmetics experience. Experience at a specialty store is an advantage. They prefer a candidate with excellent communication skills. The company is expecting candidates to have operation experiences, like POS functionalities, cycle counts, and inventory controls. This is an entry-level role.

The location of this position is in Houston, TX.

For further details on this job opening, refer to the NARS Cosmetics page.

JOB 2:

Company name: Ulta Beauty

Role: Makeup Artist

Ulta Beauty is a retail company hiring a full-time makeup artist. The candidate must have cosmetics artistry experience. A high school diploma is preferred. The candidates must have the ability to work with flexible schedules and maintain strong customer relationships. They prefer a candidate who prioritizes multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Customer service skills, as well as good communication skills in both verbal and writing, are required.

The job location of this role is in Manchester, CT.

Check out the Ulta Beauty page to learn more details about the position.

JOB 3:

Company name: Elan Brio Spa

Role: Makeup Artist

Elan Brio Spa is hiring a makeup artist for a full-time, part-time, or on-call position. The candidate must have a current license in the state of Wisconsin as a makeup artist. They prefer candidates who have skills in specialty styling for formal events and excellent guest service skills.

The job location for this role is Green Lake, WI.

Visit the Elan Brio Spa page to find out more details on job openings. 

JOB 4:

Company name: MGM Resorts International

Role: Makeup Artist

MGM Resorts International is actively seeking a makeup artist for a part-time role. Previous experience of 2 years as a makeup artist is required. They prefer a candidate with experience in retail and in a similar luxury spa or salon setting. The candidate must have completed a high school diploma or equivalent. The applicant must be able to communicate in English, in both written and verbal forms. Customer service skills, as well as good communication skills in both verbal and writing, are required. This is an entry-level job.

The location of this job role is in Las Vegas, NV.

Check out MGM Resorts International’s page to find out further details on the job posting.

JOB 5:

Company name: Univision

Role: Makeup Artist

Univision is hiring a makeup artist for a part-time role. The candidate must be able to work fast and accurately under pressure. They prefer a candidate with experience in the beauty and/or media industry. They must have a strong, creative mindset. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. This is an entry-level job role.

The location of this job role is in Los Angeles, CA.

For further details on this position, visit the Univision page.

The Highest Paying Cities for Makeup Artists

Some cities pay well for makeup artists and have a high demand for makeup artists. The following are some cities where the earning potential and salaries for a makeup artist are high:

The Highest Paying Cities for Makeup Artists
The Highest Paying Cities for Makeup Artists
  • Miami, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Houston, TX
  • Chicago, IL
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • New York, NY
  • Dallas, TX

Wrapping Up

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has a passion for becoming a makeup artist and is also interested in the fashion and beauty industry. These highest-paying makeup artist jobs would be an excellent match for you.

If you are preparing in the cosmetology exam, or you know someone who is, refer to our free practice test to help you effectively prepare for the exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED TO BE A MAKEUP ARTIST?

Makeup artists need a combination of hard and soft skills to be successful in this role. This includes: 

  • Creativity
  • Flexibility and openness to change
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • The ability to handle, and work under pressure
  • Time management

HOW MUCH DOES A MAKEUP ARTIST MAKE?

The average salary for a makeup artist in the U.S. is $16.06 per hour, which is about $33,400 per year.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A LICENSED MAKEUP ARTIST?

It can take from two months to two years to become a licensed makeup artist depending on the type of program you enrolled in.

Take a FREE practice test

Find out if you’re ready, with real questions taken from the state board exam.

Select Your State