Also called: Editorial Makeup Artist, Red-Carpet Makeup Artist
Does makeup for stars, magazine covers, fashion shows and ad campaigns.
She preps an actress's skin for a late-night talk show, works fast backstage at a fashion show the next morning, then spends a quiet afternoon testing products for a brand deal.
Day rates range from $300 to $5,000+; most freelancers build up slowly.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 8 years after high school. Cosmetology or esthetics license in many states, plus years assisting and building a portfolio and agent.
Ways in: Trade school, Certification, On-the-job training, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Cosmetology (trade school), Makeup Artistry (certificate).
Growing about average. Small, competitive niche.
Low risk for 10 years. AI looks and virtual try-ons help pitch ideas; doing makeup on stars on set or backstage stays hands-on.
Classes: Art, Photography, Theater tech crew.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-5091.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.