Makeup Artist Salary

Name: Wendy York
Job Title: Makeup Artist
Where: Providence, Rhode Island 
Employer: Self-Employed
Years of Experience: Over 20
Education: Some college and licensed in cosmotology
Salary: Use the PayScale Research Center to find the median makeup artist salary.

Makeup Artist Salary

According to Wendy York, a self-made makeup artist, embarking on a freelance makeup artist career can be tough, but creativity and freedom are the rewards. If you're interested in working as a makeup artist, but don't know whether to start with makeup artist internships, a makeup artist apprenticeship, or how to find job vacancies for makeup artists, this interview is a must-read.

Wendy spoke to us about the typical makeup artist salary, her career as a makeup artist (mentioned at freelancersunion.org), and secrets of makeup artists. She also discussed the challenges and rewards of being self-employed, including how to manage finances while seeking job vacancies for freelance makeup artists. This Salary Story is a great opportunity to learn more about salaries for makeup artists and how to become a professional makeup artist.

Makeup Artist Job Description:

As a makeup artist, my basic duties are to make people look great on camera. If it's a photo shoot that means smooth-looking skin, but invisible make up. A still image is very unforgiving. It is as demanding as high-definition film, which is why I also provide air brush makeup services which are more technically difficult but, when done well, are flawless. TV and standard film is much less demanding because of the actual film used, but that is changing.

Can you recall your career as a makeup artist?

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I have been working as a freelance makeup artist, hair and wardrobe stylist for over 20 years. It was a gradual progression from starting out doing makeup to getting my license to do hair. I started receiving requests from clients to do wardrobe styling when budgets were getting cut during the late eighties. In the beginning I went through all of the typical struggles you go through when you venture away from the security of a typical job.

I learned many lessons the hard way especially since I started at such an early age. I balanced the work week for several years while building my portfolio and gradually networked with better and more accomplished photographers and production companies.

Do you recall any memorable moments from your career as a makeup artist?

I feel very lucky to have a career where I get paid to be creative, and make people feel and look great! I've worked with wonderful, talented people and I've had very creative jobs. One of the warmest people I've ever worked with was Yo Yo Ma. When he walked in, his presence was like a golden light that warmed the entire room. While he was on set being photographed he actually played the cello and was dueling musically with a violinist!

I felt like I was one of the luckiest people in the world because it was the closest to a private concert one could get. I've had the experience of working with wonderful women like Blythe Danner and Sharon Gless who were generous in sharing their wisdom with me. When you freelance sometimes you long for a mentor of sorts and I've learned amazing things from sometimes surprising sources.

What advice do you have on how to become a makeup artist?

1) Take anything you can in the beginning. There are things to be learned from every job! I assisted a wardrobe stylist once on a magazine shoot and she paid me five dollars to tape shoes all day and hem pants. I was able to get my first examples of tear sheets for my portfolio. That job let me know right away that makeup was a much better way for me personally to start! 2) If something doesn't feel right to you, then nine times out of ten, it's not right. My gut instinct is the most valuable tool I have. 3) Look at the big picture! I have worked on really grueling jobs.

4) Always have some savings set aside. I have always had savings set aside that allowed me some peace of mind during lulls in business that were out of my control. It also allows you to extricate yourself from a bad situation or negotiate hard when you need to. 5) Be authentic in your word and your work ethic. Always come from a place of integrity. Whether you get repeat business or not is influenced by the feeling people get when they read your name. You want to leave a good impression.

What would be the average makeup artist salary?

A makeup artist salary really depends on the budget and level of client. Madonna's makeup artist is going to earn a large makeup artist salary! Also, a shoot for an editorial piece in a magazine will not pay as much as an ad (shoot) for the same magazine. So I prefer doing advertising photography, but that can be high pressure. Or you could work on a film 12 hours a day, that would pay well and there is all sorts of comraderie. I would say that a makeup artist salary can range from $450-$2000 a day.

How does your salary compare to a makeup artist's salary?  Find out with our salary survey.

• Makeup Artist Salaries by Years of Experience
• Wendy York's Web Site - WendyYork.com
• Read more about makeup artist internships and training

Comments

[Nataly Love]

Hello,
I really would love to become a makeup artist to get more involved in the film industry. What can I do if I don't have any money? I really want to be a actress most of all, but thought makeup artistry would be good for a plan B.

[lisa b]

Hey guys - one of the best ways to start out in the cosmetic industry is by working at a department store. You can usually freelance on the side to build up a portfolio, but the best thing is that you make contacts and gain clientele while getting experience. The money is also pretty good (depending on the store and the line) - you can make up to around $30/hr. Starting wage is usually around $13/hr though.
I did it and it was one of the best things that gave me confidence to pursue a freelance career.

Hope that helps!

[How to become a make up artist]

Makeup professional always recommended and guide fresher or newbie in makeup industry that things which are learn from the scratch for any makeup program to clear the concepts, you must at least visit reputed makeup schools and classes.

To become a makeup artist and become a professional makeup artist are totally different aspects in the makeup industry, you will find many online lessons, ebooks, tutorials for different makeup courses on internet.

[Lorena]

I am almost 50 years old and am about to retire from a job which has been good to me and I studied in college for. My question is is it too late to begin a career like this? My children are grown and I need to do something fun, do you think my age would be a against me?

[Kit]

Hi. I'm doing a paper on whatb it is like to be a makeup artist. If you can get me any info that would be great. Thanks!=)

[afsha]

i really want to becom a makeup artist but my family want me to do something in science iv alredy jus started college but its nt for me!! i really waa b a makeup artist i have the talent and passion .. how do i start.??

[Christy O.]

Hey Wendy- I read your article and I am nothing but motivated from your words. I am an aspiring make up artist but It is extremely hard to find work. I lived in Providence for a year but moved and I do recently go back. Do you have workshops, or tradeshows? Please let me know. I would like my dreams to come true as yours did. I am giving my 150% and nothing less towards this goal. Please let me know what you can do to help?

[Viviana G]

Hi, im 18 years old. I recently graduated high school and want to become a make up artist but dont really know how to start or where. There are many schools to choose from but dont know which one to go to. My question to you is what can you tell me to help me get started and does where you live play a big part in how much you can potentially make as a make up artist?

[Megan W.]

Hi, i'm in High School, currently taking Cosmetology and getting my license to do hair before graduating. I was just wondering if you have any suggestions on where I should go to college to pursue being a makeup artist. I was thinking Joe Blasco Cosmetics Training Make Up School?

[Marie Jordaan]

HI! im still in high school and I actually have a long way to go but im very eager to learn and ive pretty much known i wanted yto work in the make up business since i was 13..... I just have a few questions?
1. when you started out with your first steady job how much were you getting payed?
2. What did you study in college and how do you become a licences make up artist?
3. Do you have any advise for me? of where to start working ?

[Amanda Le May]

I am 18 years old. While most of my friends want to become doctors & lawyers, I decided that I wanted a job that I would enjoy. A job that didn't actually seem like a JOB. Not saying that no hard work goes into being a makeup & hairstylist. I am saying that I want a job that is fun. I have always had a love for the makeup industry..My question for you is how does one get started? Also, I live in Mississippi. Is it impossible for someone who lives in such a place to be able to do hair && makeup for ad photoshoots or movies?

[Savannah_Lee]

thank you very much.
i had a report to do and this interveiw really helped.

[Savannah_Lee]

thank you very much.
i had a report to do and this interveiw really helped.

[Melanie Davies]

I really want to become a professional make up artist but don't know what make up course to take as there seems to be so many different ones and different levels and some of them are very expensive, I am a beginner and want to do a course that could help me on my way to do more advanced courses in the future. Have you got any advice on this?

[Dalia Castillo]

How can i become a successful makeup artist and make a living with a two year old daugther to take care of? I have a full time job from 8:30am to 5:00pm is it still possible to make good money having a full time job? eventually i would like for all of my income to come from bein a makeup artist.
what do you suggest i should do to to make good extra money for now?

[lindsay]

i'm working on a thesis paper on becoming a make-up artist, i would really like it if you could help me out and answer some questions i have...
how does this job affect your family life?how much time do you have to devote to your job?
what is your work schedule/hours like?
how much do you make starting out?
how much can you make all together?
where can you get this job?
what kind of relationships to others are established?
do you work with others or individualy?

thankyou for your time and i would love if you got back to me as soon as possible. any information would be helpful thankyou.