Make-up Artist

A make-up artist applies cosmetics and prosthetics to clients' faces and bodies for theatrical, film, television, bridal, or special event purposes. They analyse clients' features, skin tone, and event requirements to design and execute make-up looks using professional-grade products and techniques. The role may include creating special effects, character transformations, or corrective make-up in studios, on film sets, event venues, or salon environments.

Consult with clients to understand their desired look, event type, skin concerns, and any allergies or sensitivities. Analyse facial structure, skin tone, and undertones to select appropriate colour palettes and products. Apply foundation, concealer, and powder using brushes, sponges, and blending techniques to create an even base. Design and apply eye make-up including eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara using blending and contouring methods. Apply and shape eyebrows using pencils, powders, or microblading techniques to frame the face. Create lip colour applications including ombre, gradient, and matte finishes using brushes and precision techniques. Mix and apply liquid or cream prosthetics for special effects, scarring, wounds, or character transformations. Apply false eyelashes, lash extensions, or individual lashes using adhesive and precision placement.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Income is highly unpredictable and often low, especially starting out. You'll juggle multiple gigs (weddings, theatre, freelance) with gaps between bookings. Film and TV work is concentrated and competitive. Many artists need a second income or spend years building a client base before earning decent money.

Bridal and event work exists in every capital city and larger regional centres, but is more scattered and seasonal. Remote work is not common. Industry reality is that steady employment clusters around production hubs and major wedding destinations.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3995, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Appointment Schedulingcore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivitycore
• Customer Needs Assessmentcore
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligencecore
• Invoicing and Billing Administrationcore
• Multitaskingcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Administer appointments
• Advise customers on usage of cosmetics
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Complaint Handling
• Digital Literacy
• Inclusive Practice
• Professional Boundaries Maintenance
• Record Management
• Workload Self-Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What Make-up Artist workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026