by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 20 U.S. colleges awarded 374 degrees and certificates in Make-Up Artist/Specialist. Certificates are the most popular award, at 56% of graduates. College Factual ranks 11 schools in its 2027 Best Make-Up Artist/Specialist Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing, rising to $26,912 after four years.
Studying Make-Up Artist/Specialist explores Make-Up Artist/specialist. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Professionally Apply Cosmetic Makeup Preparations And Perform Complete And Specialized Appearance Makeovers Including Hairdressing, Wig Work, Masking, Temporary Prosthesis Applications, Cosmetic Applications, And Related Costuming For Leisure Or For Professional Stage, Camera, Clinical, Or Security Purposes. Includes Instruction In Period And Contemporary Hairstyling And Costuming; Wig Work And Hairpiece Application; Synthetic Hair And Masks; Cosmetic Preparations And Treatments; Makeup Artistry; Attachment, Removal, And Camouflaging Of Prostheses; Health And Safety; Client Consultation And Care; Pre- And Post-Production Operations; Set And Crew Conduct And Relations; Script, Instruction, And Prescription Interpretation; Labor Relations; And Business Practices.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, make-up artist/specialist is a widely-pursued major, with 374 degrees awarded annually. 20 colleges award make-up artist/specialist degrees, an average of 19 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 75.
By level, the 374 awards include 211 certificates, 57 associate degrees and 97 master’s degrees.
Women earned 93% of make-up artist/specialist degrees and certificates in the latest year (349 of 374). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are Hispanic or Latino (217) and White (102), and international students earned 1.
College Factual ranks 11 schools in its 2027 Best Make-Up Artist/Specialist Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees. It also ranks make-up artist/specialist schools within 1 state. In all, 20 colleges offer make-up artist/specialist programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Make-Up Artist/Specialist Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common make-up artist/specialist credential is the certificate: 211 of the 374 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to make-up artist/specialist call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Sales and Marketing, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Arm-Hand Steadiness and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
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How long a make-up artist/specialist degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 211 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 57 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 97 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to make-up artist/specialist, at 53.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 53.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 27.2% |
| Some college courses | 4.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4.8% |
| First professional degree | 2.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Make-Up Artist/Specialist, with an average median salary of $37,808; the strongest outlook belongs to Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, at 6.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Beauty Advisor, Beauty Therapist, Hair and Makeup Designer and Beauty Specialist.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to make-up artist/specialist, at 253,179.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 253,179 | 6.7% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 226,641 | -3.6% |
Make-Up Artist/Specialist graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing their program, $26,912 after four years and $22,624 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $17,621 |
| 4 years | $26,912 |
| 5 years | $22,624 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to make-up artist/specialist is Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, with a median salary of $39,017.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
Make-Up Artist/Specialist has 12 similar majors in the Personal & Culinary Services field, which together award 132,844 degrees a year; the largest are Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General (56,828), Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist (38,219) and Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist (14,526). Browse all Personal & Culinary Services majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General | 56,828 |
| Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist | 38,219 |
| Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist | 14,526 |
| Barbering/Barber | 12,249 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other | 2,592 |
| Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist | 2,499 |
| Master Aesthetician/Esthetician | 2,242 |
| Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design | 1,479 |
| Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor | 1,259 |
| Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager | 546 |
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