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Theater Makeup Artists 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 theater and different types of performance settings. Some work in the movie and television industries.

Theater Makeup Artists Job Schools and Degrees

Many schools offer programs in cosmetology.

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

Theater Makeup Artists Jobs and Outlook

The major employers of theater makeup artists are shown below:

The employment of makeup artists is forecasted to grow from 10 to 20 percent through 2014.

The major employers of theater makeup artists are shown below:

• Performing arts companies
• Television industry
• Motion picture industry
• Independent artists, writers and performers
• Video industry
• Promoters of performing arts

In 2008, the median annual earnings for theatrical and performance makeup artists was $26,270.

Job Numbers and Growth

The official count of theater makeup artists in 2008 was 2,000. Workers have recently faced a very low level of unemployment. The unemployment rate for employees? About 3% recently.

Area Job Conditions

You'll see a lot of theater 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).

Training and Education

Employees normally have a postsecondary vocational award before landing a job. Degrees are held by 10% of current theater makeup artists. Post-secondary schooling was enough for 31% of workers. Education topped out at high school for 60% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Part-time work suffices for 26% of theater makeup artists. Workers working on their own make up 40% of the total.

Theater 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.

Illinois

New York

Texas