Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

What you'd actually do

• Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
• Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
• Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.
• Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
• Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.
• Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 50.3% of makeup artists, theatrical and performance are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are creative, hands-on and people-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance make?

The median pay is $46.71 per hour — roughly $97,000 a year, with the real range running from about $11.23/hr (10th percentile) to $80.51/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a makeup artists, theatrical and performance?

The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a makeup artists, theatrical and performance actually do all day?

Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies. Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects. Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.