Skip to main content

Make-up Artist

Make-up artists play a pivotal role in enhancing beauty and confidence, transforming everyday individuals into their most radiant selves. In a world that values personal expression and appearance, these skilled professionals are essential in the beauty industry, providing services that empower clients and elevate their self-esteem.

Make-up Artist

19

Creative Arts and Design

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY19
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST
64%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£18,000 - £22,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (19), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Make-up ArtistAs a junior make-up artist, you will assist senior artists and gain hands-on experience in various settings. Your focus will be on learning techniques and building a portfolio.£18,000 - £22,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Make-up ArtistIn this role, you will work independently, managing your own clients and projects. You will refine your skills and may begin to specialise in certain areas of make-up artistry.£25,000 - £30,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Make-up ArtistAs a senior make-up artist, you will lead projects, mentor junior artists, and have a significant influence on trends within the industry. Your reputation will be key to attracting high-profile clients.£35,000+

The degree route

Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Production ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Theatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Game Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,500 median
🎓Fashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Music, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,000 median

All Creative Arts and Design courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.

Degree subjects that lead this way

Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.