Makeup Artist Courses
Makeup Artists enhance beauty using cosmetics for various events, create special effects for film and theatre, and design prosthetic masks.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Makeup Artist
Get qualified to work as a Makeup Artist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
SHB30121
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
A SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services provides students with broad skills and knowledge for success in a range of beauty industry roles. You will gain practical beauty skills including nails, waxing, lash and brows and basic make-up, while also learning about customer service, client consulting and product selection. This course is a pathway to jobs as a nail technician, cosmetic assistant, beautician or make-up artist in a busy salon.
Career opportunities
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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CUA51020
Duration
8 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
The Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services) is designed to equip students with the skills and techniques essential for all facets of professional makeup artistry including screen and media, theatre, fashion and bridal. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, this diploma prepares aspiring make-up artists to excel in creating captivating looks which includes the use of wigs, hairstyling and prosthetics. Enquire now to find a course provider near you.
Career opportunities
Duration
8 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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SHB30221
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
Do you love make-up and cosmetics? With the nationally recognised SHB30221 Certificate III in Make-Up you could become a specialist make-up artist and work in beauty salons, day spas, or even film and TV. The course delivers specialist skills in creative make-up design for events, special occasions and photography, but you can also choose electives that will broaden your service offerings. Options include: spray tanning, waxing, recommending and selling beauty products, lash and brow treatments, creating ...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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SHBBINF002
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
The SHBBINF002 Maintain Infection Control Standards provides training in maintaining infection control standards during skin penetration treatments in a clinical environment. It covers state or territory and local council requirements, teaching individuals to identify, manage, and control infection risks to clients, colleagues, and themselves. This unit is relevant for beauticians and beauty therapists working in salons, clinics, or cosmetic medical clinics, where they operate autonomously and make indepe...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Makeup Artist.
Common questions
How long does it take to become a Makeup Artist?
You can get started in makeup artistry with a Certificate III in Make-Up or Beauty Therapy, these qualifications usually takes about 6 months to complete. At the same time you should be practicing as much as possible, and a job in the cosmetics section of a chemist or department store would be a perfect entry point. If you have your heart set on an international career in film and television you’ll need a Diploma or Degree which can take 2-4 years.
How much do Makeup Artists earn?
In Australia, a full time Makeup Artist generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Makeup Artists?
Opportunities for Makeup Artists in Australia have grown strongly over the last 5 years and as of 2016 there were approximately 2,600* make up artists employed around the country. Make up artists work in beauty salons, spas and wellness centres, department stores, photographic studios, television networks, film and production companies, fashion houses, live clubs and theatres.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
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Choose from a range of accredited Hair and Beauty courses offered by nationally recognised providers that will prepare you with practical skills and knowledge to land that next dream job.
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Courses for every level and standard, from short courses to diploma qualifications and higher. Find the qualification to suit you, and turn your passion for hair, nails and beauty into a profession.
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Become a professional hairdresser or barber or gain the skills to run a thriving salon with an accredited qualification in Australia.
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More information
Makeup Artists use make up and cosmetics to enhance beauty, cover blemishes and disfigurements, or even create prosthetic masks and special effects. In the beauty industry your career as a Makeup Artist will be focused on designing make up for weddings, special events, parties, glamour photography, and makeovers. Makeup Artists also work in the creative arts industries.
If you’re interested in working in film, television and theatre you could be preparing actors, performers, and models for their roles — applying cosmetics to enhance their appearance under a range of stage lighting, or creating special effects (eg, fake bruising, vampire teeth, and weird noses). Even more exciting, you might be moulding prosthetic masks and other body parts to create stunning visual effects.
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