Makeup Artist Salaries in North Carolina

Getting the right training is the most important step to becoming a makeup artist in North Carolina, which requires a cosmetology or esthetician license.

It is important to select a school that goes beyond basic makeup application/selection to include makeup for bridal parties, fashion photo shoots and television. Theatrical makeup jobs require more advanced training available only at select schools. The field is highly competitive and better training translates into greater chances of success.

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Salaries of Makeup Artists Employed in North Carolina

In general, theatrical and production makeup artists make more money than personal appearance makeup artists who work at salons, spas, hotels, bridal boutiques or retail stores. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of personal appearance and theatrical makeup artist salaries nationwide are as follows.

Theatrical/Production
Mean Annual Salary
$66330
10th Percentile Salary
$19560
25th Percentile Salary
$25840
50th Percentile (Median)
$47210
75th Percentile
$97350
90th Percentile Salary
$121910
Mean Hourly Wage
$31.89
10th Percentile Wage
$9.40
25th Percentile Wage
$12.42
50th Percentile (Median)
$22.70
75th Percentile
$46.81
90th Percentile Wage
$58.61

The above figures do not include tips that can significantly increase the income of personal makeup artists. Clients generally tip between 10 and 25 percent of the cost of the service. In addition, makeup artists that work at cosmetics stores or counters are usually given a base salary plus commissions on products sold.

Makeup Artist Salaries in Different North Carolina Cities

The following table of annual salaries earned by makeup artists in North Carolina cities is taken from a website that collects an aggregate of jobs in those places.

North Carolina Area
Salary
Statewide Average
$34000
Charlotte
$38000 to $44000
Fayetteville
$38000 to $43000
Wilmington
$37660 to $43000
Cary
$34000 to $39000
Durham
$34000 to $39000
Raleigh
$34000 to $39000
Greensboro
$32000 to $37000
High Point
$30000 to $34000
Winston-Salem
$29000 to $34000

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