Quick Summary
Are you interested in how much makeup artists can earn? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you dream of styling celebrities for significant events or helping brides look perfect on their wedding day, knowing makeup artists’ salaries is key to building a successful career. This field offers many ways to earn money, but your income depends on your experience, specialty, and work location. For instance, makeup artists in high-demand areas like the film or fashion industries usually earn more than those offering standard services.
The makeup industry is also growing. It is expected to increase by 3% annually from 2024 to 2028. This growth brings more job opportunities and the potential for higher earnings. Knowing the average makeup artist salary in India can help you negotiate your salary. In this guide, we will explore all the factors influencing wages in makeup artistry and share tips to help you increase your earnings in this competitive field.
A makeup artist’s role is to help people look their best by expertly applying makeup. Knowing what this job involves can help you understand the salary range for makeup artists in India. The key responsibilities include:
To become a successful makeup artist in India, you need a mix of technical expertise, creativity, and business acumen. Here are the essential skills required:
Developing these skills through practice, courses, and industry exposure can help build a successful career as a makeup artist in India.
The Indian beauty care and salon industry is enormous, valued at an impressive INR 80,000 crore. This growing industry offers plenty of opportunities for skilled professionals like you. As you gain experience and refine your skills, you’ll find many ways to increase your earnings. The beauty industry’s rapid growth makes now an exciting time for makeup artists to build a successful, rewarding career. Understanding the average salary of a makeup artist in India will give you a clearer picture of the financial rewards and career potential that await you.
By 2025, makeup artists worldwide will receive different salaries based on region and specialty. The following is the global average salary by region.
| Region | Average Salary |
| United States | $61,000 |
| United Kingdom | £24,000 |
| Canada | $38,393 |
Makeup artist salary differ significantly according to their expertise. Entry-level, mid-level and experienced makeup artists have different salary expectations. Below is a comparison based on salaries for a better illustration of how salaries grow with experience and expertise:
| Level | Years of Experience | Salary Range (in Lakhs) |
| Entry | 1-2 | 0.4 Lakh |
| 2-3 | 0.4 Lakh | |
| Mid | 3-4 | 3.5 Lakh |
| 4-5 | 3.5 Lakh | |
| 5-6 | 3.5 Lakh | |
| Experienced | 6-7 | 3.5 Lakh |
| 7-8 | 3.5 Lakh | |
| 8-9 | 3.5 Lakh |
Along with experience, a professional makeup artist salary also depends on the industry. Here is a table showing the different salary ranges based on sectors, including bridal, film, fashion, etc:
| Specialization | Average Salary (INR) |
| Bridal Makeup Artist | 3.4 Lakh |
| Fashion Makeup Artist | 4.6 Lakhs |
| Film Makeup Artist | 3.5 Lakhs |
| Beauty Brand Makeup Artist | 4.6 Lakhs |
Your salary as a makeup artist can vary based on several factors. Experience, location, specialization, and work environment all play a role in determining your earnings. Let’s break down the key factors that influence your income as a makeup professional:
Your experience determines how much you can earn as a makeup artist. If you start with less than two years of experience, your pay will likely be lower. However, once you’ve gained three to five years of experience, you can expect a significant increase in your earnings. As you build your skills and expertise, you can charge higher rates.
Where you work matters a lot when it comes to your salary. If you’re based in a city like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, you can charge more due to the high demand and competition in these areas. On the other hand, makeup artists in rural areas may earn less because the demand is lower.
Focusing on specific makeup techniques can also help you earn more. Bridal makeup artists, special effects (SFX) artists, and editorial makeup professionals typically make more than general makeup artists. Each of these specialties requires a unique skill set. For example, bridal makeup artists often earn more during peak wedding seasons, while film SFX artists can demand higher pay because of their specialized knowledge.
Freelancing vs agency work will significantly impact the makeup artist salary, offering different advantages and disadvantages:
A Makeup artist salary varies significantly based on experience, expertise, and client base. Each career stage has distinct earning potential, from freshers to top freelancers. Below is a breakdown:
| Career Stage | Average Monthly Earnings | Salary Range |
| Fresher | INR 25,000 | INR 15K – 25K |
| Certified MUA (1-2 Years) | INR 45,000 | INR 25K – 45K |
| Certified Freelancer (2-5 Years) | INR 1,00,000 | INR 45K – 1L |
| Top Artist (Experienced) | INR 5,00,000 | Top 10% of the town |
The salary varies depending on the city and what it takes to do the job. Here’s more information on the average amount for the makeup artist in some prominent cities of India:
| City | Average Salary (INR per month) |
| Hyderabad, Telangana | INR 29,634 |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 26,615 |
| Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 26,594 |
| New Delhi, Delhi | INR 26,367 |
| Pune, Maharashtra | INR 25,981 |
| Bengaluru, Karnataka | INR 24,102 |
| Delhi, Delhi | INR 22,352 |
| Chandigarh, Chandigarh | INR 22,231 |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | INR 20,490 |
To increase your makeup artist salary, focus on improving your skills, gaining niche expertise, and building your business knowledge. The more varied your services and skills, the more clients you’ll attract, and the higher your rates will be. Here are three practical ways to boost your income as a makeup artist:
Focus on specialized areas like airbrush makeup, special effects, or bridal makeup. These services are in high demand, and by mastering them, you can charge premium rates for your expertise.
Update your portfolio regularly with high-quality work that showcases your versatility. Earning certifications in advanced techniques, such as hairstyling or makeup artistry, proves your expertise and helps you command higher fees.
Offer additional services like makeup workshops, classes, or even makeup products for sale. By diversifying your offerings, you’ll create more revenue streams and position yourself as a go-to beauty professional for all your clients’ needs.
Your makeup artist salary is shaped by your specialization, the skills you develop, and the market demand. In a competitive field like makeup artistry, focusing on niche areas such as airbrushing or special effects can help you stand out and increase your booking rates and earning potential.
The makeup artist industry in India is thriving. By 2028, the beauty sector is expected to reach $34 billion. You’ll need the right skills, experience, and qualifications to launch a successful career. Understanding the average makeup artist salary can help you set realistic career goals and expectations.
Obtaining professional certifications and building a strong portfolio can boost your credibility, making clients more willing to pay higher rates. Additionally, offering virtual makeup services and online tutorials can open new revenue streams and markets for your business.
A makeup artist’s income varies by skill, experience, and clientele. While entry-level artists earn modestly, experienced professionals in fashion, bridal, or film industries can command high rates. Top-tier artists and celebrity stylists often earn lucrative incomes, making it a potentially high-paying and rewarding career for those with advanced expertise and a strong portfolio.
Makeup artists typically earn between ₹20,000 and ₹80,000 per month in India, depending on experience, specialization, and location. Freelancers and bridal makeup experts can charge ₹10,000–₹50,000 per event, while high-profile professionals or those in television and film can earn even more. Building reputation and networking are key to increasing earnings in this creative field.
In Delhi, the average makeup artist salary ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹70,000 per month. Freelance bridal artists often earn ₹15,000–₹40,000 per session, while senior professionals in salons or fashion studios may exceed ₹1 lakh monthly. Delhi’s competitive beauty industry offers strong income potential for skilled, certified artists with a good client base and online visibility.
Yes, selling makeup can be highly profitable, especially with a solid marketing strategy and quality products. You can earn through online stores, social media, or brand partnerships. Many entrepreneurs build strong income streams by promoting cosmetics, skincare, or personalized beauty kits. Success depends on branding, audience trust, and consistency in offering genuine, trend-aligned products.
Being a makeup artist can be challenging yet rewarding. It requires creativity, precision, and strong client communication skills. The job often involves long hours, adapting to trends, and maintaining hygiene standards. However, for passionate individuals who enjoy artistry and people interaction, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunities in fashion, bridal, film, and personal branding.
In India, a makeup artist typically earns between ₹20,000 and ₹80,000 per month, depending on skill, experience, and location. Freelancers and bridal makeup artists can charge ₹5,000–₹50,000 per event, while top professionals in fashion, film, or celebrity circles earn ₹1 lakh or more monthly. Earnings grow significantly with strong branding, social media presence, and client referrals.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
