Theatre Makeup Artist Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Many schools offer programs in cosmetology.
Training and Education
Employees normally have a postsecondary vocational award before landing a job. Degrees are held by 10% of current theatre makeup artists. Post-secondary schooling was enough for 31% of workers. Education topped out at high school for 60% of employees.
Job Overview
Theatrical makeup artists provide actors and others the "desired look" by using makeup, wigs and other items. They apply makeup to actors to reflect the setting, situation and time period of an actor's role. High definition, airbrushing and special effects are some areas of expertise. Many theatrical makeup artists work in the theatre and different types of performance settings. Some work in the movie and television industries.
Job Requirements
The theatrical makeup field doesn't have a standard certification. Internships with theatrical companies and television stations are highly beneficial. Attending a cosmetology school is also very useful for the occupation.
Nature of Work
- Prepare the skin for makeup applications
- Apply makeup to performers to enhance or alter their appearance
- Analyze scripts in order to prepare plans for each scene
- Confer with directors to determine the desired effects from makeup
Area Job Conditions
You'll see a lot of theatre makeup artists in New York (New York), Chicago (Illinois), and Houston (Texas), and comparatively fewer in New York (New York), Chicago (Illinois), and Houston (Texas).
Wages for Workers are highest in New York (New York), Chicago (Illinois), and Houston (Texas), and lowest in New York (New York), Chicago (Illinois), and Houston (Texas).
Part-Time and Self Employment
Part-time work suffices for 26% of theatre makeup artists. Workers working on their own make up 40% of the total.
Career Videos
Theatre Makeup Artists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $86,000 | 320 | +1657% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $40,000 | 30 | +688% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | 150 | +540% |