Answer:

This is dependent on location and business, but the median income of makeup artists is $32,630 per year.

So What Exactly Does A Makeup Artist Do?

Make-up artistry, in general, is not a well paying occupation, relative to other entertainment industry placements. However, a MUA (”Makeup Artist”) can secure a well-paying position in the modeling and photography world, when one has garnered a sufficient reputation and skill set. Proficiency, as with any art form is subjective, however the standard MUA is judged on the ability to display a face to its full potential (as desired by the director or photographer) as well as establish a working relationship with the actor, photographer or person being worked on. Make-up artists can receive their training in several different ways; they can intern at a theater, they can assist a working make-up artist, or they can attend a school dedicated to make-up artistry. Make-up artists are primarily self-employed (freelancers), but they may also be represented by an agency, or employed by a production company. In the United States as well as the UK, several provinces or states may require a license. In many instances, in order to work on film, tv or theater productions you must be part of an applicable union.

However, it must be mentioned that Make-up Artists in general, upon starting out spend several years working for limited pay, TFCD/TF or “testing” to build a network of contacts that will assist in securing future work.

Several world renown makeup artists are now exclusive editors of TV Shows and editorial channels.