Makeup artistry has become one of the most high demand industries in the beauty sector. With everything from social media beauty influencers teaching the masses to get gorgeous makeup looks, to weddings, commercial and high end events, all the way to theatrical and film makeup – the opportunities in this sector are endless and super exciting.

A makeup artist is tasked with creating beautiful looks for their clients, depending on the desired vision, whilst also knowing how to best enhance the natural features of each unique face.

So, what’s the money sitch in the MUA industry?

We are going to look at how much does a makeup artist earn, what the going salary rates for makeup artists are, as well as answering the question on all our lips – do makeup artists make good money?

How much do Makeup Artist make as employees?

The average makeup artist wage in Australia is around $82.75 per hour, working out as around $161,363 per year, however, this can range anywhere from $73,117 to the higher end salary of more experienced MUAs, up to $167,347.

If you are employed by an existing company or salon, it is likely you will be paid within these means, starting out at the lower end of the salary bracket, and having the opportunity to work your way up to a greater pay rate.

One of the main advantages of working for a pre-existing business is that you tend to have a regular guaranteed income, as well as a foundational client-base, making for more financial security when starting out in the industry.

The majority of salons in the beauty industry pay depending on experience. If you are a more established makeup artist it is likely you may start out with a higher salary than someone who has only recently trained and thus has less experience working in person with clients.

Salary rate can also depend on the area in which you specialise, for example, if you have expertise in a certain makeup style or vibe, you may be able to charge a higher rate for this specialised service. Not only this, but having a unique brand can be an employment draw for salons, allowing you to start building a solid reputation in the field.

How much can you make if you run your own Makeup Artist business?

When it comes to running your own MUA business, the salary can look a little different. Building a business from the ground up can take time and patience, it can take a while to build a solid client base, so if the money isn’t rolling in straight away then don’t fret too much!

Knowing the average wage of more established artists is a really great start if you are looking to set your own service rates. Starting by setting your rates slightly lower than your competitors will draw attention, and from there you can gradually raise your prices as your client base and reputation grow.

You can vary your rates depending on length and content of the service, as well as considering charging travel fees if you decide to offer a mobile service.

How hard is it to become a Makeup Artist in Australia?

Building a reputation in the makeup industry can take time, but with determination and tenacity, it is totally possible:

• Be passionate – Being passionate about your work will always be a top priority. Having a love of making people feel good, as well as a want to continue learning as you go is an excellent start to your beauty adventure.

• Consider further training and never stop learning – Proper makeup artist training is super important to ensure you are armed with all skills and knowledge to help you create show-stopping looks that will get people talking.

• Keep practising – Honing your craft is the only way to improve – the more you dedicate your time to your practice, the better you will get!

• Work on your brand – Find what makes you and your services unique. What sets you apart from other makeup artist in the business? Why should people choose you?

Here at Australian Beauty School, our comprehensive Certificate in Professional Makeup Artistry will get you off to a flying start in your beauty career!

With professionally-created content, flexible online lessons, as well as your very own beauty kit sent straight to your door, you can rest assured that your future career is in the safest hands as it starts to take flight.

Join us today!