Post job

Makeup artist vs freelance makeup artist

The differences between makeup artists and freelance makeup artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a makeup artist and a freelance makeup artist. Additionally, a freelance makeup artist has an average salary of $42,487, 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 a freelance makeup artist are customer service, store events, and adobe photoshop.

Makeup artist vs freelance makeup artist overview

Makeup ArtistFreelance Makeup Artist
Yearly salary$41,026$42,487
Hourly rate$19.72$20.43
Growth rate17%3%
Number of jobs4,6204,009
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3434
Years of experience1212

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 a freelance makeup artist do?

A freelance make-up artist's role is to enhance a client's appearance using cosmetic products. One of their responsibilities is to bring their arsenal of make-up products and equipment, hear out a client's preferred style, discuss any recommendations, and prioritize optimal aesthetics by considering various factors such as weather and lighting. Furthermore, a freelance make-up artist needs to make the clients feel comfortable and build rapport to strengthen and improve the client base.

Makeup artist vs freelance makeup artist salary

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

Makeup ArtistFreelance Makeup Artist
Average salary$41,026$42,487
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $77,000Between $24,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between makeup artist and freelance makeup artist education

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

Makeup ArtistFreelance Makeup Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorCosmetologyGraphic Design
Most common college--

Makeup artist vs freelance makeup artist demographics

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

Makeup ArtistFreelance Makeup Artist
Average age3434
Gender ratioMale, 11.8% Female, 88.2%Male, 28.5% Female, 71.5%
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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 13.6% White, 51.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between makeup artist and freelance makeup artist 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

Freelance makeup artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media outlets such as Instagram and Tumblr to reach a broader audience.
  • Experience with hair styling, beauty, corrective and special FX makeup including blood work, injury and casualty simulation.
  • Assist busy NYC train stylists.
  • Sanitize brushes, beauty sponges, etc.
  • Used Autodesk MatchMover to motion track aerial shots.
  • Initiate transition to VFX GUI which greatly improve efficiency.
  • Show more

Makeup artist vs freelance makeup artist 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 freelance makeup artist skills
  • Customer Service, 34%
  • Store Events, 9%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 9%
  • Photo Shoots, 5%
  • Graphic Design, 4%
  • Bridal Parties, 3%

Browse personal care and attendants jobs