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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 ...

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How much do head makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,605 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Wig & Makeup Full Time Run Crew

Hale Centre Theatre

Sandy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Hale Centre Theatre rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 6 rated theaters

Job description

Help us bring our stories to life!  Hale Centre Theatre is currently seeking Full -Time Wig Technicians. The Wig team works through innovation, continual training and cutting-edge technology to create memorable and exciting experience
Job Description / Duties:

  • Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Work to perform Wig & Makeup changes during show performances and technical rehearsals
  • Work independently or in a team to maintain the Wig Designs throughout the run of the show
  • Participate as a collaborative member of the Wig & Makeup staff
  • Complete tasks as assigned by the Head of Hair of Makeup, Wig & Makeup Designer and/or Wig Crew Supervisor in an effective and timely manner.
  • Maintaining a safe working environment at all times by adhering to Hale Centre Theatre safety policies and procedures
  • Maintain a safe & clean work environment backstage & wig areas for staff and performers alike
  • Report all accidents and incidents immediately to Management
  • Any other projects as assigned by the Head of Hair & Makeup, Wig & Makeup Designer and/or Wig Crew Supervisor

Qualifications:

  • 3 years of experience running crew and/or maintaining large scale musicals is highly preferred.
  • Proven technical experience in live entertainment in at least one of the following disciplines:
  • Show Run Crews
  • Wig & Hair Styling (Human & synthetic hair)
  • Proven knowledge of contemporary and historical hair & wig styles
  • Proven understanding of hair styling tools and techniques
  • Must possess an eye for detail and aesthetics
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot and maintain styles for theatrical and live entertainment venues
  • Ability to adapt to a physically demanding role that encompasses frequent climbing of stairs, standing for long periods of time, and completing multiple quick changes in rapid succession
  • Proven working knowledge of theatrical terminology and documentation.
  • Strong collaboration, communication, and technical skills related to the required skills of the position
  • Possess Multitasking & time management skills
  • Must be calm under pressure
  • Ability to adapt to change with little or no notice
  • Be highly resourceful and possess efficient problem solving and time management skills
  • An ability to work well in a team atmosphere, as well as being comfortable working independently
  • Work well with many types of people and personalities
  • Possess strong desire to hone existing skills and a willingness to learn new ones
  • Basic understanding of Theatrical Makeup application
  • Critical thinking is a must
  • The ability to maintain high quality and standards, and a safe and supportive work environment
  • Positions require full availability (up to six days a week), including afternoons, nights, weekends, and select holidays
Hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, and qualifications.
 

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