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Makeup artist vs esthetician

The differences between makeup artists and estheticians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an esthetician has an average salary of $41,419, which is higher than the $41,026 average annual salary of a makeup artist.

The top three skills for a makeup artist include customer service, product knowledge and store events. The most important skills for an esthetician are customer service, excellent guest, and cleanliness.

Makeup artist vs esthetician overview

Makeup ArtistEsthetician
Yearly salary$41,026$41,419
Hourly rate$19.72$19.91
Growth rate17%17%
Number of jobs4,6203,747
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age3435
Years of experience12-

What does a makeup artist do?

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.

What does an esthetician do?

An esthetician is responsible for providing skincare solutions such as facial treatments, hair removal procedures, and makeup services. Estheticians must be highly-knowledgeable on various skin conditions to perform effective treatments and recommend maintenance skincare routines. An esthetician should also be strict on following hygienic procedures, ensuring sterilization of all the tools and equipment used for the procedures. They also respond to customer's inquiries and concerns regarding skincare health and sell products depending on the customers' needs.

Makeup artist vs esthetician salary

Makeup artists and estheticians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Makeup ArtistEsthetician
Average salary$41,026$41,419
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $77,000Between $28,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Lancaster General Health
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between makeup artist and esthetician education

There are a few differences between a makeup artist and an esthetician in terms of educational background:

Makeup ArtistEsthetician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Makeup artist vs esthetician demographics

Here are the differences between makeup artists' and estheticians' demographics:

Makeup ArtistEsthetician
Average age3435
Gender ratioMale, 11.8% Female, 88.2%Male, 6.1% Female, 93.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%9%

Differences between makeup artist and esthetician duties and responsibilities

Makeup artist example responsibilities.

  • Achieve all sales goals through close client contact and upselling techniques.
  • Manage social media outlets such as Instagram and Tumblr to reach a broader audience.
  • Experience hair stylist providing full range of customize hair care services including hair extensions, wigs and braids.
  • Support master classes in NYC.
  • Work in collaboration with key artist for fashion week NYC.
  • Silk-Screen t-shirts, work in stain glass, glassblower apprentice.
  • Show more

Esthetician example responsibilities.

  • Manage the aesthetics department and perform consultations with patients regarding aesthetic and facial surgery procedures.
  • Cleanse skin and remove makeup.
  • Close group for PCA skin care professionals only.
  • Maintain HIPPA privacy laws while reviewing patient's history.
  • Assist in surgery and process tissue for Mohs surgery.
  • Assist with and document Botox, Injectables and Sclerotherapy procedures.
  • Show more

Makeup artist vs esthetician skills

Common makeup artist skills
  • Customer Service, 25%
  • Product Knowledge, 12%
  • Store Events, 9%
  • Photo Shoots, 9%
  • Skin Care Products, 5%
  • Retail Sales, 2%
Common esthetician skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Excellent Guest, 14%
  • Cleanliness, 8%
  • Retail Products, 7%
  • Body Treatments, 7%
  • Treatment Rooms, 6%

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