Career Overview
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Also Known As
- Hair and Makeup Designer
- Makeup Artist (MUA)
- Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
- TV and Film Makeup Artist (Television and Film Makeup Artist)
Alternate Job Titles
- Beauty Advisor
- Beauty Specialist
- Beauty Stylist
- Beauty Therapist
- Body Make-Up Artist (Body MUA)
- Certified Technician (Certified Tech)
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Clean and sanitize supplies, such as makeup brushes.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Fine Arts
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Visualization
- Fluency of Ideas
- Originality
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Adaptability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools & Equipment
- Airbrushing tools
- Angle brushes
- Angle liners
- Brow brushes
- Chisel brushes
- Colored contact lenses
- Contour brushes
- Digital still cameras
- Dome brushes
- Eye shadow brushes
- Eyebrow combs
- Fan brushes
- Fine detail brushes
- Flat brushes
- Foundation brushes
Work Environment
- Physical Proximity
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $22,010 |
| Median | $50,280 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $157,090 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 3,320
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $35,250
Skincare Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,560
Costume Attendants
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $54,810
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,660
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $40,860
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.