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The differences between cosmetologists and makeup artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a cosmetologist, becoming a makeup artist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a makeup artist has an average salary of $41,026, which is higher than the $37,122 average annual salary of a cosmetologist.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a makeup artist are customer service, product knowledge, and store events.
| Cosmetologist | Makeup Artist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $41,026 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $19.72 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 4,620 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 40 | 34 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.
A makeup artist is a beauty enthusiast offering makeup services depending on the clients' needs and event purposes. Makeup artists must have a broad knowledge of the beauty and fashion industry to provide recommendations and create the best aesthetic looks for clients. Makeup artists also need to have an understanding of colors and styles, as well as extensive options on long-lasting makeup materials and cosmetic toolkits. A makeup artist in a professional setting often works alongside other stylists to manage the right looks for clients.
Cosmetologists and makeup artists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Makeup Artist | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $41,026 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $21,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Anthony | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a makeup artist in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Makeup Artist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and makeup artists' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Makeup Artist | |
| Average age | 40 | 34 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 11.8% Female, 88.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 13.6% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |