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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 ...

Patrick Ta Beauty

Office Administrator

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $28/hr

ABOUT PATRICK TA BEAUTY Patrick Ta Beauty was founded in 2019 by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta ... Partner with Head of People & Culture in cultural programming, duties may include providing ...

Patrick Ta Beauty

Office Administrator

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

ABOUT PATRICK TA BEAUTY Patrick Ta Beauty was founded in 2019 by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta ... Partner with Head of People & Culture in cultural programming, duties may include providing ...

Patrick Ta Beauty

Office Administrator

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

ABOUT PATRICK TA BEAUTY Patrick Ta Beauty was founded in 2019 by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta ... Partner with Head of People & Culture in cultural programming, duties may include providing ...

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Head Makeup Artist information

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$9

$25

$66

How much do head makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 type of makeup artist makes the most money?

In the makeup artistry field, freelance or celebrity makeup artists tend to earn the highest incomes due to high-profile clients and exclusive bookings. Artists working in film, television, or fashion industries with specialized skills and certifications also often command higher fees. Experience, reputation, and location significantly influence earning potential for makeup artists.

How much does a top makeup artist make?

Top makeup artists can earn between $50,000 and $150,000 or more annually, depending on experience, reputation, and the industry they work in such as film, fashion, or bridal. Highly experienced artists with a strong portfolio and specialized skills often command higher fees and salaries.

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 is the highest paid beauty job?

The highest paid beauty jobs often include senior roles such as celebrity makeup artists, beauty directors, or cosmetic surgeons, with some earning six-figure salaries or more. These positions typically require extensive experience, a strong reputation, and specialized skills or certifications in the beauty industry.

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.

Who is the highest paid makeup artist?

The highest paid makeup artists are often celebrity makeup artists who work with high-profile clients and on major film or fashion projects. Their earnings can reach several million dollars annually, especially those with a strong reputation and extensive experience in the industry.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,605 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Beauty Sales - Makeup Artistry & Core Brands - Beachwood Place

Beauty Sales - Makeup Artistry & Core Brands - Beachwood Place

Nordstrom

Beachwood, OH

$19.15 - $19.95/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Nordstrom rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 423 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'llcreate 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.

Adayin thelife...

  • 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 anddigital selling with effectiveuse ofselling tools (inclusive oftextandsocial 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

Youownthisifyouhave...

  • 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.

$19.15 - $19.95 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 atwww.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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