In Rhode Island, applying permanent make-up requires both a cosmetology and a tattoo license, while working in traditional personal care or theatrical makeup artistry requires either an esthetician or cosmetology license. The requirement for a cosmetology license is the completion of 1,500 hours of beauty school and a state board exam, while the esthetician license requires just 600 hours along with the exam.
Salary figures reported don’t include gratuity, which adds considerably to a makeup artist’s income. In a salon setting, tips can add 25% or even more to the salaries shown here.
Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist Salaries
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Theatrical and Performance makeup artists earn the following salaries/wages:
There are no BLS figures for the state; however, the American Job Center Network lists the following annual salaries for theatrical and performance makeup artists working in Rhode Island.
- Low – $19,600
- Medium – $47,200
- High – $121,900
Personal Appearance Makeup Artist Salaries
The following is the BLS table for Personal Appearance Workers:
Makeup Artist Occupations
Makeup artists fall into two categories: Theatrical/Performance and Personall Appearance
Theatrical/performance makeup artists work primarily in the following industries:
- Movies/TV/Videos
- Fashion
- Live Theater
- Circuses/ special performances
Personal appearance makeup artists work primarily in the following areas:
- Cosmetics industry
- Salons
- Spas / Resorts
- Bridal boutiques
- Freelance