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Head Makeup Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westman Atelier

Director, Organic Social

Manhattan, NY · On-site

A mother, makeup artist, and champion of holistic living, Gucci believes passionately that 'luxury ... Establish annual engagement goals and present strategy to achieve if not exceed to CMO and Head of ...

Westman Atelier

Director, Organic Social

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

A mother, makeup artist, and champion of holistic living, Gucci believes passionately that 'luxury ... Establish annual engagement goals and present strategy to achieve if not exceed to CMO and Head of ...

Valid8 Financial, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX · On-site

$35.82/hr

Coordination with hair/wigs and makeup department head and stagehands * Acquisition and setup of ... Communicate politely, positively, and professionally with the large and diverse visiting artists ...

New

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX · On-site

$44.06/hr

Coordination with hair/wigs and makeup department head and stagehands * Acquisition and setup of ... Communicate politely, positively, and professionally with the large and diverse visiting artists ...

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX

$44.06/hr

Coordination with hair/wigs and makeup department head and stagehands * Acquisition and setup of ... Communicate politely, positively, and professionally with the large and diverse visiting artists ...

Broadway Dallas, Inc.

Head of Wardrobe

Dallas, TX

$44.06/hr

Coordination with hair/wigs and makeup department head and stagehands * Acquisition and setup of ... Communicate politely, positively, and professionally with the large and diverse visiting artists ...

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Head Makeup Artist information

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$9

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$66

How much do head makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for head makeup artist in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head makeup artist do?

A Head Makeup Artist is responsible for overseeing all makeup-related activities on a project, such as a film, television show, fashion show, or photo shoot. They design and create the overall makeup look, supervise a team of makeup artists, and collaborate closely with directors, costume designers, and other key personnel to ensure the makeup aligns with the creative vision. The Head Makeup Artist also manages schedules, budgets, and ensures that all makeup applications meet health and safety standards.

What is the difference between Head Makeup Artist vs Makeup Artist?

AspectHead Makeup ArtistMakeup Artist
CredentialsCosmetology license, portfolio, experienceCosmetology license, portfolio, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, fashion shows, theater productionsBridal, salon, freelance events
Employer & IndustryProduction companies, fashion houses, theatersSalons, freelance clients, weddings
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership, team management, high-profile projectsBasic makeup application, client services

The Head Makeup Artist oversees makeup teams and manages large projects, requiring extensive experience and leadership skills. In contrast, a Makeup Artist typically focuses on applying makeup for individual clients or small groups. The roles differ mainly in scope, responsibility, and experience level, but both require similar foundational credentials and work within the beauty and entertainment industries.

How does the head makeup artist typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As the Head Makeup Artist, you will work closely with directors, costume designers, and hair stylists to ensure a unified visual look for each character. Regular coordination with lighting and camera crews is also important, as makeup must be adapted for different lighting conditions and camera types. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as you'll often need to adjust makeup designs based on script changes, actor needs, or production feedback. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and ensures the final result aligns with the overall vision of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head makeup artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Makeup Artist, you need advanced makeup artistry skills, a deep understanding of skin types, color theory, and typically a cosmetology license or relevant certification. Familiarity with professional makeup brands, sanitation protocols, and industry-standard tools is a must. Strong leadership, creativity, and excellent communication help you manage teams and interpret client or production needs. These skills ensure high-quality, safe, and visionary results that meet client expectations and support team performance in demanding environments.
More about Head Makeup Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Makeup Artist jobs? Cities with the most Head Makeup Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Makeup Artist jobs? The most popular types of Makeup Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Head Makeup Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Makeup Artist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Makeup Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Makeup Artist jobs are:
Head Makeup Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Makeup Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,605 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Beauty Sales - Makeup Artistry - NYC Flagship

Nordstrom, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site

$28.70 - $29.85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Nordstrom rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 424 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 21 rated department stores

Job description

Job Description
In the Nordstrom Beauty Department, we strive to make our customers feel their best. As a member of the Nordstrom Beauty community, you'll create personalized beauty experiences for customers and be part of a passionate team that values your unique skills.
The role involves engaging customers to understand their needs and maximizing sales in on-trend & luxury beauty brands. Ideal candidates are passionate about beauty trends, makeup, and skincare, with the ability to build a customer following both in-store and digitally.
A day in the life...
  • Conduct makeup applications, skincare analyses and recommend products based on customer's beauty goals
  • Collaborate with team members to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers
  • Set and achieve sales goals, for both in-store and digital selling with effective use of selling tools (inclusive of text and social media)
  • Book appointments and drive sales for in-store Beauty events and services
  • Keep department customer-ready through organization and cleanliness
  • Keep up with the latest beauty trends, products, and industry knowledge through trainings provided by Nordstrom and brand partners
  • Manage sales, refunds, exchanges, and build customer loyalty by opening new Nordstrom Rewards program accounts

You own this if you have...
  • Passion for customer service and beauty, including trends, makeup application, and skincare
  • Excellent ability to connect with customers, proactively handle customer concerns and contribute to a positive team environment
  • Empathy and respect for all customers, providing a supportive environment during makeup and skincare application
  • Strong multitasking, organization, and follow-through skills
  • Drive to achieve sales goals, with interest in using networking and technology
  • The ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evenings and weekends
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Continuous movement for 6-8 hours per shift, which includes frequent bending, twisting, squatting, flexing and reaching in order to handle merchandise and assist customers.
    • Frequent use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
    • Handle bulky and sometimes awkwardly shaped items, which includes reaching for and lifting these items above the head.
    • Regularly lift items weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds

Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$28.70 - $29.85 Hourly
At Nordstrom, the commission most selling employees receive varies based on the merchandise they sell. Apparel, shoes, and accessories sales typically range from 3% to 14.5%. The commission Beauty and Men's Fragrance sales roles typically receive is 3%.
We've got you covered...
Our employees are our most important asset and that's reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
  • Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Variable_ES-US.pdf
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ's for relevant information and guidelines.
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
© 2026 Nordstrom, Inc

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