Louisiana Makeup Artist School and Requirements

To become a makeup artist in Louisiana, you need an esthetician or cosmetology license. Many go for esthetician licenses because they focus more on skincare, but cosmetology may be better for you if you want to perform all sorts of treatments.

Let’s dive into Louisiana makeup artist school options, the differences between the state's esthetician and cosmetology paths, and how much you could earn as a makeup artist. Browse our directory of makeup artistry schools in Louisiana, or skip ahead to learn about the state's makeup artistry licensing requirements and job outlook.

Louisiana Esthetician and Cosmetology School for Makeup Artists

There are two significant differences between esthetics and cosmetology schools in Louisiana: How long the programs take and what the classes cover.

Louisiana esthetician programs last for at least 750 hours and cover skin-related science, skin treatments, hair removal, relevant laws and, of course, makeup. Since this option is all about skin care and beautification, it's a popular license for makeup artists.

READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetician School in Louisiana

Meanwhile, cosmetology programs in Louisiana run for at least 1,500 hours and include the same topics as taught in esthetics school, plus nail care and hair treatments. Cosmetology programs tend to focus primarily on hair. One unique aspect of cosmetology schools in Louisiana is that they teach braiding—or, as the state calls it, "alternative hair." If that interests you, or if you want to offer the whole beauty package, cosmetology could be better for you than esthetics.

It's also important to remember that, as a cosmetologist, you can always take professional development/continuing education classes focused on makeup.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in Louisiana

Both options are equally valid. Which you choose is up to you!

Louisiana Makeup Artist Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of 2022, Louisiana cosmetologists averaged $28,740 per year ($13.82 per hour), while the state's estheticians earned an average of $34,540 ($16.60). Makeup artists typically fall under the esthetics umbrella when discussing BLS salary.

One limitation of the data is that the BLS doesn't include self-employed makeup artists' pay. If you want to work for yourself, you should look into what other self-employed makeup artists charge and earn. Further, location, type of workplace, and years of experience can all affect pay. For instance, makeup artists in large cities tend to earn more than those in rural areas. So, keep that in mind when figuring out how much you could make.

Contact the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology