As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Makeup Artist in the United States is $42,179 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Certified Makeup Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Makeup Artist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Makeup Artist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Retail St... Level Certified Makeup Artist | $102,319 |
| Certified... Level Certified Makeup Artist | $43,677 |
| Retail St... Level Certified Makeup Artist | $111,590 |
| Retail St... Level Certified Makeup Artist | $180,406 |
| Retail St... Level Certified Makeup Artist | $235,478 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Makeup Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Certified Makeup Artist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Certified Makeup Artist positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Makeup Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $46,397 | $22.0 | 10% |
| Media | $44,288 | $21.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Makeup Artists enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Certified Makeup Artist with a No Diploma is between $38,187 and $41,084).
Certified Makeup Artist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 30.8% |
| Associates | 15.4% |
| Bachelors | 38.5% |
| Masters | 7.7% |
| Doctorate | 3.8% |
Understanding how a Certified Makeup Artist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Certified Makeup Artist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $52,442 in 2023 to around $49,192 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Makeup Artist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $52,442 |
| 2024 | $49,968 |
| 2025 | $49,192 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Makeup Artist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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