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Artist, Cosmetologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Makeup artists work with news broadcasters and actors in television, advertising, photography, motion picture, stage, fashion and theatre productions. In general, they assess performers’ skin to ensure that makeup will not cause breakouts or skin irritations, and use makeup to:
For each television, film or stage production, makeup artists analyze the script, noting events that affect each character’s appearance, such as time period changes, weather elements, sickness and injuries. They meet with producers, directors and production designers to discuss the desired look for all characters, integrate their ideas with the performer’s wishes and plan the makeup for each scene.
When prosthetics (such as latex wounds or fake facial features) are applied onto a performer, makeup artists apply products to cover and blend the fake surfaces into the surrounding skin areas, so they appear seamless and natural. Makeup artists may need to apply or style and blend hair applications (such as bald caps or wigs) as well. After a performance is completed, these prosthetic pieces are removed carefully by the makeup artist, in order to be reused later.
Makeup artists must duplicate their work precisely time after time. For example, because film or television scenes often are shot out of order, they might have to reproduce a bruise months after creating it the first time for the filming of a subsequent scene.
They spend considerable time and energy researching, testing and experimenting to create makeups and special effects for time periods and for science fiction and horror characters.
Makeup artists may stand for many hours at their work. In filmmaking, a typical working day is 12 hours long, but much of the time is spent watching and waiting, with touch-ups required between takes. Extensive special effects makeup can take hours to apply, so makeup artists may begin their workday long before the rest of the cast or crew.
Makeup artists work under pressure to finish their work in a set timeframe. Fashion shows or photo shoots require quick work to stay on schedule. They may be required to travel to fairly remote location shoots for television or film, and work in all kinds of weather and terrain. The bags they carry to work sites may weigh up to 10 kilograms. Lifting requirements are considerably more for artists who also must carry items such as stools and lighting equipment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to manipulate brushes and other devices used for the care of skin, and to apply cosmetic and special effects make-up on actors and other performers
Interest in compiling information from period files to obtain images of characters to be depicted; and in requisitioning cosmetics and make-up materials
Interest in applying prostheses, cosmetics and make-up to change physical characteristics such as facial features, skin texture, body contours and dimensions, and in producing effects appropriate to characters and situations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Makeup artists need:
They should enjoy performing precision tasks, compiling information about character requirements and developing innovative approaches to their work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 19, 2022 and Oct 30, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 8 |
|---|---|
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 7 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 7 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate the work of camera operators and other technical staff | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
Makeup artists need skills and knowledge related to:
Makeup artists also must be able to market their services and negotiate contracts.
There is no minimum education requirement in this occupation. However, successful completion of a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) course and a Set Etiquette course is required to work on International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) project. Some unions require members to have a high school diploma or equivalent. A background in theatre, film, television or visual arts is a definite asset.
Prospective makeup artists gain experience working under the supervision of recognized makeup artists. They also may acquire the skills and knowledge they need by taking related courses offered:
Prospective makeup artists are advised to discuss their education options with program graduates and other makeup artists before enrolling in an education program. A background in theatre, photography, film, television or visual arts is a definite asset.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Some theatre and television studios only hire International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members and require makeup artists to have insurance.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Makeup artists usually work on a contract basis for:
Creating character makeup requires research. Makeup artists need to build and maintain files of people’s faces representing different ethnicities, historical periods, and interesting or unusual looks. They also need to build a portfolio of photographs or videos of their best work to show potential employers.
To gain experience and recognition, makeup artists may do volunteer work for local photographers, community events, theatres, not-for-profit film companies or community cable television stations.
Makeup artists must supply their own equipment and makeup supplies. A good basic makeup kit costs about $1,000.00. Top makeup artists in Alberta may have $8,000.00-$50,000.00 worth of equipment and supplies, much of which must be replenished often. Larger film and television projects often pay a kit rental fee.
Most work opportunities are located in large urban centres. Until makeup artists establish contacts and build a reputation in the industry, they may do other types of work, such as:
The entertainment industry is limited and employers generally prefer to hire makeup artists they have worked with before. Therefore, even the most successful makeup artists in Alberta may do other types of work.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
2016 NOC: 5226
75.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Fees depend on the nature of the contract and the reputation of the artist. In film and television, minimum rates are set by the IATSE collective agreement.
There are slow months of work as well as busy ones, so makeup artists may need to supplement their incomes at times with other part-time jobs.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $36.16 | $26.15 | $25.38 |
| Overall | $17.50 | $47.48 | $27.91 | $25.38 |
| Top | $22.25 | $47.48 | $28.77 | $25.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $45,495 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $40,891 |
| Public Administration | $91,339 |
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 in Calgary website: www.iatse212.com
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 210 in Edmonton website: www.iatse210.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
