- Salary statistics
- Make-up choir
Make-up choir
28 600 - 29 100 kr / month
Kropps- & skönhetsvård
Salary progression Make-up choir
What does a makeup artist do? – Tasks and work environment
A makeup artist works with applying makeup and sometimes special effects makeup for film, TV, theater, fashion shows, photoshoots, and events. The profession involves close collaboration with other creative professionals such as stylists, hairdressers, directors, and photographers. Tasks can range from creating everyday makeup looks to advanced character transformations or effect makeup. The work environment is often dynamic and can involve long days in studios, on filming locations, or backstage at large events. Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to work under time pressure are important qualities to thrive and succeed as a makeup artist.
Salary development over time
The salary for makeup artists has shown varied development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,700 SEK per month, which increased to 30 500 SEK during 2023. This increase corresponds to about 6.3% between 2022 and 2023. In 2024, the average salary has fallen to 29 100 SEK, representing a decrease of approximately 4.6% compared to the previous year. This decline may be linked to changing production conditions within the media and event industries, as well as increased competition for assignments. At the same time, salary trends show that the profession is influenced by economic cycles and demand for creative services, with occasional peaks and troughs being common.
Makeup artist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 29 100 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 175 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 29 100 SEK, statistics for men are unavailable
- Regional differences: Variation data is unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a makeup artist often involves vocational training in makeup and special effects, sometimes combined with internships at salons, theaters, or production companies. The industry values both formal education and practical experience, and many supplement with courses in skincare, color theory, and hygiene. Self-study and online courses are also common, especially to stay updated on new techniques and trends.
- Makeup artist education: 1–2 years at vocational colleges or private schools
- Certifications: Courses in special effects, hygiene, and allergen safety
- Internships: Recommended at theaters, TV, or salons
- Prerequisites: Interest in color, form, and people
- Self-study: Online courses and workshops
Many makeup artists get the opportunity to work behind the scenes on major productions and events, providing a unique insight into various creative environments and access to a broad network in the industry.
Common benefits and compensations
Makeup artists often enjoy benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities for freelancing, and access to professional products and tools. Larger productions sometimes provide compensation for inconvenient working hours, travel allowances, and per diems. Some employers also offer further training and opportunities to participate in industry fairs and events.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the makeup artist profession is intense, especially in larger cities where the supply of trained makeup artists and freelancers is high. Assignments can be seasonal and dependent on the scope of productions, requiring flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new work environments. Building a strong network and continuously developing a portfolio are often necessary to remain competitive. Changing trends and techniques demand ongoing skills development. Additionally, irregular working hours and temporary employment can lead to economic uncertainty for many in the profession.
Tips for aspiring makeup artists
To succeed as a makeup artist, it is important to be both creative and precise, as the profession requires accuracy and attention to detail in every task. A strong interest in people and the ability to work under pressure are crucial, especially when working in teams during intensive productions. Building a broad network through internships and freelance projects can open doors to new opportunities. It is also wise to continually develop skills through courses and stay updated on beauty and makeup trends. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities to handle varying work environments and assignments. Finally, being self-motivated and professional in your approach often leads to repeat clients and collaborations.
Key facts about makeup artists
- Education level: Makeup artist training (1–2 years)
- Work environment: Studio, theater, TV, events
- Work form: Freelance, project-based, or permanent employment
- Demand: 36 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Color theory, special effects, hygiene
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a makeup artist can advance to leading roles in larger productions, such as chief makeup artist or team leader in theater, TV, or film. Other career options include working as an educator, consultant, or specialist in special effects and masks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for makeup artists remains relatively stable, but competition for the most attractive assignments is expected to remain high. The shift towards more digital productions and increased use of social media also creates new opportunities for makeup artists to promote themselves and find new clients. Currently, the number of available jobs in the profession is 36, indicating a certain level of demand in the job market.
Frequently asked questions about makeup artists
- What does a makeup artist earn?
- The average salary for a makeup artist is 29 100 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a makeup artist?
- Most commonly, a makeup artist education lasting 1–2 years, often supplemented with internships and courses in special effects. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Women earn an average of 29 100 SEK, but statistics for men are unavailable. - What is the job market like for makeup artists?
- Currently, there are 36 available jobs in the profession, but competition is high. - What work environments are common for makeup artists?
- Studios, theater, TV productions, and events are the most common workplaces. - Can I work as a freelance makeup artist?
- Yes, many makeup artists work as freelancers or on a project basis. - What personal qualities are important for a makeup artist?
- Creativity, precision, and teamwork skills are especially important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28600 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28600 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28600 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28700 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28700 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 28700 kr | 29100 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Make-up choir has the SSYK code 5149, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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