Alabama Makeup Artist Schools and Requirements

Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Makeup Artist in Alabama

Makeup artists (MUAs) in Alabama must have a full cosmetology or esthetician license as of 2023. These two licenses have very different intents, so knowing what you want to offer as a makeup artist is essential before choosing which path to take.

What License Should an Alabama Makeup Artist Have?

Alabama has no special makeup artist license, so you must choose between cosmetology or esthetics licensure to work there. This means you can focus on skin care through an esthetician license or a broad range of beauty treatments as a cosmetologist. Do you want to create a whole look, including makeup, hair, and nails? That's cosmetology! Are you interested in providing a relaxing spa experience? Esthetics is likely for you.

Some pros to becoming a makeup artist via cosmetology include:

• Providing a whole look for someone, like a bride, rather than only providing one service
• Taking continuing education classes so you can specialize in one or two areas, like hair and makeup
• Being allowed to practice desairology, or funeral makeup services
• Taking fewer hours of intensive science classes (if those aren't your bag!)

And Alabama esthetician licenses for makeup artist pros include:

• Getting more training in makeup than you'd get in cosmetology classes
• Providing facials
• Going through a shorter beauty program at 1,000 class hours or 2,000 apprenticeship hours
• Earning a dual esthetician/manicurist license

Of course, pros are balanced by cons. Some possible negatives for becoming an Alabama makeup artist via cosmetology are:

• Spending more time in beauty school or an apprenticeship at 1,500 hours and 3,000 hours, respectively
• Getting less makeup artist and skin care practice
• Not being allowed to use electrical equipment for skin care

Cons of becoming a makeup artist through an esthetician license may include:

• Can't perform hair care services for weddings or other events
• Needing additional licenses to expand services, possibly leading to more hours in the long run

At the end of the day, there is no better or worse for each person. If you want to become a makeup artist in Alabama, you need to dig into the licensure paths and figure out where your passion lies.

READ MORE: Learn More About Alabama Cosmetology School

READ MORE: Learn More About Alabama Esthetician School

Makeup Artist Salary in Alabama

Alabama makeup artists earn about $13,000 to $149,505 per year as of 2023, according to ZipRecruiter. The average MUA in the state makes about $45,783 ($22 per hour). ZipRecruiter sources most of its information from employment listings and a few outside sources, so self-employed MUAs aren't really represented in this data.

Makeup specialties, location, years of work, and more can influence how much you earn. Doing additional research and asking other makeup artists in Alabama how much they make could help you better understand your pay potential.

Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology