Makeup Artist
19AI EXPOSURE TODAY19
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST64%
NOT A FORECAST64%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£18,000 - £24,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN →
Makeup Artist
Unleash your creativity and transform faces into stunning works of art as a Makeup Artist! Whether you're working on fashion shoots, weddings, or special effects for films, this career lets you express your unique style while making others feel beautiful and confident.
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 Makeup ArtistAt this stage, you’ll assist senior artists, learn essential techniques, and build your portfolio while working on various projects, from photoshoots to events.£18,000 - £24,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEFreelance Makeup ArtistAs a mid-career artist, you’ll have your own clients, work independently, and may collaborate with photographers and stylists on larger projects, showcasing your unique style.£25,000 - £35,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Makeup ArtistAt the peak of your career, you’ll lead major projects, mentor junior artists, and may even work with celebrities or on high-profile fashion shows, making a name for yourself in the industry.£40,000+
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.
Performance (Acting)Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts Limited · DegreeProduction ArtsGuildhall School of Music & Drama · DegreeTheatre and Performance StudiesUniversity of Bristol · DegreeGame Design and DevelopmentLondon South Bank University · DegreeFashion Communication with Business StudiesUniversity of Brighton · DegreeMusic, Multimedia and ElectronicsThe University of Leeds · Degree