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Stage Makeup Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... programs spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, business, engineering, law, health care ... • Stage Makeup • Costume Construction • Potential additional design assignments may be ...

Wig/Makeup Technician Experience in wig styling and maintenance for wigs, hairpieces and facial ... Through artistic excellence and the craft of storytelling, American Stage is committed to creating ...

Wig/Makeup Technician Experience in wig styling and maintenance for wigs, hairpieces and facial ... Through artistic excellence and the craft of storytelling, American Stage is committed to creating ...

Costume Studio Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

... Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping ... Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup * Ability to execute hairstyles as designed * Ability to ...

Costume Studio Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

... Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping ... Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup * Ability to execute hairstyles as designed * Ability to ...

The Office of the Arts is seeking professional, experienced, and dependable freelance theatrical ... makeup, etc.) Qualifications: Candidates must: * Have a working knowledge of the theatrical and ...

The Office of the Arts is seeking professional, experienced, and dependable freelance theatrical ... makeup, etc.) Qualifications: Candidates must: * Have a working knowledge of the theatrical and ...

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Stage Makeup Artist information

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$66

How much do stage makeup artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for stage 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 stage makeup artist do?

A stage makeup artist is responsible for applying makeup and creating special effects for performers in theater, opera, and other live stage productions. They work closely with directors and costume designers to ensure that each character’s appearance matches the artistic vision of the production. Their work may include basic beauty makeup, character transformations, aging effects, and sometimes prosthetic application. Stage makeup artists must also consider lighting and distance from the audience to ensure the makeup looks effective from afar. Their skills help bring characters to life and enhance the storytelling on stage.

What are some common challenges stage makeup artists face when working on live productions?

Stage Makeup Artists often work under tight time constraints, especially during quick changes or live performances, which requires them to deliver flawless results rapidly. They must also adapt makeup to withstand stage lighting and the performers' physical activity, ensuring durability and consistency throughout the show. Collaboration with directors, costume designers, and performers is essential to achieve a cohesive look that supports the production’s artistic vision. Additionally, they need to be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected issues, such as makeup smudging or allergic reactions, in real time.

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

To thrive as a Stage Makeup Artist, you need a strong background in makeup application, color theory, and facial anatomy, often supported by training in cosmetology or theatrical makeup. Familiarity with professional makeup kits, prosthetics, and hygiene standards, as well as certifications in makeup artistry, are commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help artists interpret scripts and collaborate with directors and performers. These skills are crucial to creating convincing characters and ensuring visual impact under stage lighting, enhancing the overall production quality.

What is the difference between Stage Makeup Artist vs Special Effects Makeup Artist?

AspectStage Makeup ArtistSpecial Effects Makeup Artist
CredentialsCosmetology or makeup certification, training in theatrical makeupSpecial effects makeup courses, prosthetics, and sometimes medical training
Work EnvironmentTheatrical productions, concerts, dance performancesFilm, television, horror, and fantasy projects
Industry UsageUsed in theater, live performances, musicalsUsed in movies, TV shows, and commercial projects

While both roles involve makeup artistry, a Stage Makeup Artist primarily focuses on enhancing actors' appearances for live performances, emphasizing character and period accuracy. In contrast, a Special Effects Makeup Artist creates realistic prosthetics, wounds, and fantasy effects for film and TV. The skills overlap in makeup techniques, but special effects require additional training in prosthetics and materials. Both careers demand creativity and technical skill, but they serve different entertainment sectors.

How do you become a stage makeup artist?

To become a stage makeup artist, you typically need to complete a cosmetology or makeup artistry program, gain experience through internships or apprenticeships, and develop a strong portfolio of theatrical makeup work. Skills in color theory, special effects, and familiarity with makeup tools are essential, and some may pursue certifications to enhance credibility.

How much do stage makeup artists get paid?

Stage makeup artists typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of productions. Freelance artists may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $100 or more, with higher rates for specialized skills or high-profile projects.

How much do stage makeup artists make?

Stage makeup artists typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of productions they work on. Freelancers or those working on high-profile projects may earn higher wages, and many also supplement income through additional services or teaching makeup techniques.
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Infographic showing various Stage Makeup Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,605 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Adjunct Theatre Arts Instructor

Yuba City, CA

Yuba Community College District
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

$47.74 - $79.54/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Organize and teach courses in lower-division Theatre Arts programs, including acting, theatre history, production, film, and multicultural theatre.

  • Develop and deliver instructional activities, lectures, materials, and labs for theatre courses, and assess students' learning outcomes.

  • Teach courses as assigned to meet student and department needs, including day, evening, and weekend classes, rehearsals, and performances.


Job description

Position Information
Job Title Adjunct Theatre Arts Instructor Location Yuba College - Marysville, CA. Job Description

Yuba Community College District is accepting qualified applicants for possible temporary part-time teaching assignments. These positions are filled based on the needs of the department and are on-going recruitments. A complete application includes the following: Online Academic Application, resume, transcripts, EEO Statement, three current letters of recommendation and a cover letter/letter of interest. EQUIVALENCY: If you do not meet the specific degree requirements for an instructor in the discipline required, you may request equivalency before the final filing date. There are three (3) forms that you will need to download from the HR web site under FORMS, it is titled: Equivalency Determination Application, Statement, and Procedure - the information requested is required of all candidates not holding the stated minimum qualifications who are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency
Posting Details
Position Information

Essential Duties Summary

BASIC FUNCTION:
Organize and teach courses of a lower-division Theatre Arts program, including but not limited to the following: Beginning and Intermediate Acting; Introduction to Theatre; Production and Technical Theatre; Introduction to Film; History of Film; Theatre and Music Theatre Production, Multicultural Theatre.
Work with other staff and faculty as needed for stage productions.
Understand Classic Theatre, Modern Theatre, Contemporary Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Opera.
Participate in department, division, and college-wide initiatives and committees.
Develop and deliver instructional activities, lectures, materials and labs for theatre
Prepare and complete course syllabi and outlines
Use appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning
Assess students according to methods described in the Course Outline of Record and submit final grades by the semester's grade submission deadline
Teach courses as assigned to meet student and department production needs, which, depending on assignment, may include day, evening, and weekend classes, rehearsals and performances.
Assess Student Learning Outcomes every semester
Attend production meetings as required
Embrace a student centered, learning-by-doing approach to teaching
Participation in department, division, and college-wide initiatives and committees is not required but welcomed and encouraged.
Teach day, evening, and/or weekend teaching assignments, which may include distance learning (interactive television, online) and accelerated courses;
Essential Duties Summary
REQUIRED DUTIES:
Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS: The minimum qualifications are

Master's Degree in drama/theatre arts/performance OR
Bachelor's in drama/theatre/performance AND Master's in comparative literature, English, speech, literature, or humanities OR
The equivalent OR
Possess a California Community College life credential in the subject matter area of Drama/Theatre

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

Desired/Preferred Qualifications
Experience in teaching theatre arts
A student-centered approach to teaching
Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population representing a wide range of abilities, ages, and cultures.
Demonstrated knowledge of the diverse needs and abilities of nontraditional students
Knowledge of the Community College mission
Willingness to put in extra time required to make a program successful
Expertise in using computers and technology for teaching
Experience in management of online courses and the ability to teach distance learning courses
Expertise in training actors. Experience in Voice and Movement for Actors is desirable
Experience in and the ability to teach Musical Theatre
Professional experience in acting, directing, stage management, technical theatre and/or film.
Expertise in one or more of the following: Multicultural theatre, classical theatre, filmmaking and videography, acting for the camera, scriptwriting, script analysis, technical theatre, stage makeup, working in the theatre and film industry, developing creativity, theatre mask and puppetry, or devised theatre.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands:
Comfortable working at heights above six feet, including walking on high cat walk spaces above the auditorium
Bending, stooping, kneeling, & crawling
Pushing, pulling, guiding materials
Stand, walk on unstable surface
Lifting greater than 50 lbs.
Assemble, connect small objects
Reaching retrieving work materials
Guiding power tools
Operate equipment controls, levers and buttons
Work near moving objects
Exposure to fumes, noise, extreme temperatures, sharp objects
Ability to work a flexible schedule according to production needs including weekends and nights.

Range/Step Range/Step: Step 1 - Step 7 (Based on degree and teaching experience) Salary Range Salary/Range: $47.74 - $79.54/Lecture Rate Per Hour Benefits Information EEO Statement

As an equal opportunity employer with a diverse staff and student population, the Yuba Community College District is committed to creating an inclusive and effective learning and working environment for all.

Posting Detail Information
Internal vs. External External Posting Number AS353P Open Date Close Date Review Start Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application includes the following: Academic Application, Resume, Transcripts, EEO Statement, up to (3) current letters of recommendation and a Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.

To apply for an Equivalency, please download a Equivalency Determination Application, Equivalency Statement, and Procedure from YCCD's website: www.yccd.edu/forms