{"id":13911,"date":"2016-06-16T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2016-06-16T11:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/?p=13911"},"modified":"2016-06-16T07:00:22","modified_gmt":"2016-06-16T11:00:22","slug":"makeup-artists-salary-much-earning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/makeup-artists-salary-much-earning","title":{"rendered":"The Makeup Artist&#8217;s Salary: How Much Should You Be Earning?"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]While you can find a pretty accurate average pay estimate for a paralegal at a nearby law firm or a nurse at the city hospital, a standard makeup artist salary isn\u2019t so clear cut.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_column_text]The pay range for makeup artistry is wide. There are a million and one factors to keep track of when figuring out how much you should be earning. If you hold a steady<a href=\"\/2016\/02\/career-profile-the-makeup-counter-artist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0job behind a makeup counter<\/a>, the wages will typically be stable, but it\u2019ll depend on what brand you\u2019re working for and what region you\u2019re working in. If you\u2019re a freelance makeup artist, you get to set your own rate\u2026 but with great power comes great responsibility.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;20&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<h4>We can sympathize\u2014all these numbers being thrown at you can be confusing! If you\u2019re just starting out as a makeup artist or just moved to a new area and are not sure how much to charge, read on.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;Full Width Line&#8221; line_thickness=&#8221;1&#8243; divider_color=&#8221;accent-color&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;75&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/makeup-artists-salary-much-earning\/#The_Big_Considerations\" >The Big Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/makeup-artists-salary-much-earning\/#Putting_in_the_Research\" >Putting in the Research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/makeup-artists-salary-much-earning\/#Pricing_Models\" >Pricing Models<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qcmakeupacademy.com\/blog\/2016\/06\/makeup-artists-salary-much-earning\/#Salaries_per_Industry\" >Salaries per Industry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Big_Considerations\"><\/span>The Big Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_column_text]We\u2019re sure it wasn\u2019t easy to decide to take a leap of faith and become a freelance makeup artist. But the deliberations don\u2019t stop there. Now, you have to figure out how to price your services competitively! Here are some of the key questions you should ask yourself:[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_column_text]\n<ol>\n \t<li>Are you in an urban or a rural area?\u00a0If you\u2019re at the center of a big city where all the action is, you\u2019ll likely have a busier schedule and can charge more for your services. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find success at all as a\u00a0<a href=\"\/2018\/09\/how-to-become-a-makeup-artist-in-a-small-town\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">makeup artist in a small town\u2014check out this guide<\/a>!<\/li>\n \t<li>How much training do you have?\u00a0Are you a versatile artist who has taken makeup courses to broaden your services? Remember, if you can show that you\u2019ve invested in yourself, others will see it.<\/li>\n \t<li>How long have you been practicing makeup artistry?\u00a0This also includes the time you\u2019ve spent volunteering your services, or during your training!<\/li>\n \t<li>Have you completed any assistantships?\u00a0Working under a mentor or a\u00a0<a href=\"\/2016\/07\/nathans-guide-working-celebrity-makeup-artist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">celebrity makeup artist<\/a>\u00a0who\u2019s been in the business for a long time can give you invaluable experience.<\/li>\n \t<li>Are you paying for insurance?\u00a0As a makeup artist, you may want to\u00a0<a href=\"\/2017\/08\/makeup-ultimate-spending-guide-makeup-salary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">purchase insurance<\/a>. It can protect you as a professional, and it can also protect your kit. As much as we\u2019d like to think otherwise, accidents and theft do happen. Insurance is a good idea, but you\u2019ll have to pay for it out of your own wages.<\/li>\n \t<li>What are your overhead costs?\u00a0Your pricing isn\u2019t just about your skill level (although that is super important!). You also have to consider overhead costs. From something as easily overlooked as the gas you used to drive over to your client\u2019s home to your expensive makeup kit, these things don\u2019t just pay for themselves!<\/li>\n \t<li>How many clients do you have on average?\u00a0If you find that your business is growing, it may be time to\u00a0<a href=\"\/2015\/12\/raising-your-professional-makeup-artistry-prices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">raise your prices<\/a>\u00a0accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;40&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;35942&#8243; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Putting_in_the_Research\"><\/span>Putting in the Research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628258866617{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]Figuring out what everyone else is charging for makeup services in your area is a step that should not be overlooked. You have to make sure that your services are competitively priced for your area.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628258871183{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]Public mentality is a strange beast. If you undercharge, you\u2019re under-valuing yourself, your competitors, and your area\u2019s makeup industry as a whole. You\u2019ll also risk being perceived as being less experienced or less able to do your job\u2014when it isn\u2019t the case! You also don\u2019t want to overprice your services. You risk being unable to bring in new clients, and then won\u2019t be able to make back your overhead costs. Remember\u2014you need to set a makeup artist salary that will let you support yourself![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When you\u2019re researching your competitors, make sure you\u2026[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;15&#8243;]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-angle-right\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul>\n \t<li>get your hands on their complete price list;<\/li>\n \t<li>note the number of years they\u2019ve been in business\/years of experience;<\/li>\n \t<li>see if they\u00a0<a href=\"\/2018\/06\/a-home-studio-the-pros-cons-and-making-the-most-of-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">work from home<\/a>\u00a0or at a professional studio;<\/li>\n \t<li>markdown if they have any special offers or discounts, and;<\/li>\n \t<li>observe the quality of their portfolio.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;35946&#8243; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pricing_Models\"><\/span>Pricing Models<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_column_text]When it comes to pricing models for a freelance makeup artist, there are three types: the hourly rate, the fixed-price, or the flat rate.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628258554362{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3>Hourly<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259082510{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]If you plan on pricing your services based on an hourly wage, you\u2019ll always be compensated for your time. If your contract outlines how much you\u2019ll work per hour, you potentially could be paid more than the initial estimate on your contract. Usually you and your clients will work out an estimate of how many hours you\u2019ll be expected to work. If you end up working more hours than anticipated, you\u2019ll still be compensated for them![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259087590{padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/williamspromakeup.com\/what-price-should-a-makeup-artist-charge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">great formula<\/a>\u00a0touted by Azzi Williams, QC Makeup Academy tutor, is:[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259153559{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h4>Wage rate (hourly) + (monthly expenses\/number of jobs per month)<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259149063{padding-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;]To get more tips from Azzi herself,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.williamspromakeup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visit her website<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628258614467{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3>Fixed Rate<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Having a fixed rate for your services can be a gamble. Sometimes, you\u2019ll end up working fewer hours than anticipated. Other times, you\u2019ll work more. To arrive at your rate, estimate the number of hours you expect to work and multiply it with the wage rate you wish to earn\u2014the formula is identical to the one you\u2019d use for the hourly rate above. But once you quote your client a price of, say, $300 for 4 people, it\u2019s set in stone. Barring any major changes to the scope of the project, you won\u2019t be able to adjust the pricing if you end up working more hours than anticipated.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628258638322{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3>Flat Rate<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you charge a flat price for the services you do, you need to be an efficient makeup artist! If you\u2019re charging $70 to do a bride\u2019s makeup and $50 per bridesmaid it doesn\u2019t matter how long you\u2019ll take, so long as the job gets done.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;35944&#8243; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;20&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salaries_per_Industry\"><\/span>Salaries per Industry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259110262{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]Salary estimates are just that\u2014estimates. It\u2019s super difficult finding a general salary estimate for all the different types of jobs in the makeup industry. Obviously if you want to work as a makeup artist for runway models, you can bet that you\u2019ll end up in New York. From there, you can find a better estimate of what you can expect to make.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259115110{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) can\u2019t measure the commission, tips, and gratuities that makeup artists can earn. This is especially the case for those who work freelance. Even more frustrating is a \u201cstandard\u201d makeup artist salary can vary widely depending on where you\u2019re located. And these aren\u2019t small salary differences\u2014we\u2019re talking major dollar differences.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1628259119790{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;]For example, the BLS reports that\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes395091.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">makeup artists in the theatrical and performance industry<\/a>\u00a0as of May 2018 have an annual mean wage of $88,090 in Tennessee. Meanwhile, theatrical makeup artists in Texas earn a mean annual wage of just $42,550. The gap between these salaries is\u00a0<em>huge<\/em>![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Figuring out your salary is a pain, but rolling up your sleeves to do some digging is well worth the effort.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=&#8221;No Line&#8221; custom_height=&#8221;30&#8243;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;35945&#8243; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h3 class=\"cta\">You need a mean portfolio to land those freelance makeup artist jobs. Here are<a href=\"\/2017\/08\/5-looks-every-makeup-artist-portfolio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a05 looks every makeup portfolio should have<\/a>!<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"While you can find a pretty accurate average pay estimate for a paralegal at a nearby law firm or a nurse at the city hospital, a makeup artist\u2019s salary isn\u2019t so clear cut.","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":28424,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[434],"class_list":{"0":"post-13911","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-your-makeup-career"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Makeup Artist&#039;s Salary: How Much Should You Be Earning? - QC Makeup Academy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What&#039;s a typical makeup artist salary? 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