Shigoto Zukan
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How to become makeup artists, theatrical and performanceeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Beauty & Personal Care Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$97,150
25th–75th pct. $34,530–$143,230
Top pay (est.)
$217,700
Top 10% $167,470
Pay in 5 years
$114,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$135,300est.
$116,400–$157,100
Outlook score
81/100
★★★★☆ Excellent
AI replacement risk
15%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+6.1%
600 openings / yr

How to become makeup artists, theatrical and performance

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.4
Monitoring
3.2
Active Listening
3.2
Speaking
3.1
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.7
Fine Arts
4.4
English Language
4.2
Design
3.5
Administration and Management
3.2
Communications and Media
3.2
Education and Training
3.2
Sales and Marketing
3.0

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Visual Color DiscriminationNear VisionVisualizationOral ComprehensionArm-Hand SteadinessOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
33%
Post-secondary certificate
29%
Bachelor's degree
10%
Some college
10%
Less than high school
10%
Associate's degree
5%
Professional degree
5%

Training before entry

None / short demo
43%
1–2 years
10%
2–4 years
10%
6–12 months
10%
3–6 months
10%
Up to 1 month
10%
1–3 months
5%
4–10 years
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
30%
6–12 months
30%
2–4 years
15%
4–6 years
10%
Up to 1 month
5%
1–3 months
5%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as makeup artists, theatrical and performance

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.