North Carolina Makeup Artist School and Requirements

In North Carolina, makeup artists must secure a cosmetology or esthetician license to practice. Let's dive into how you can jumpstart your makeup artist career, what you need to know to secure a license, and even what you can expect on the career front after completing training and earning your license in North Carolina.

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

What Can Makeup Artists in North Carolina Do Without a License?

In North Carolina, work for makeup artists is limited without a license. You can get retail makeup roles at a business like Sephora, but the higher-paying and more specialized positions require a state esthetician or cosmetology license.

Esthetician or Cosmetologist School for North Carolina Makeup Artists

In North Carolina, aspiring makeup artists can choose between two training and licensure pathways: cosmetologist or esthetician. Programs for future estheticians traditionally focus on makeup application and skincare, requiring 600 hours of training to secure an esthetician license. Your training should cover essential services, including facials, waxing, exfoliation, and makeup application. Training encompasses classroom and extensive hands-on learning.

READ MORE: Learn More About Esthetician School in North Carolina

The other way to become a makeup artist in the state is to complete a cosmetology program. A North Carolina cosmetology license requires 1,500 hours of training and teaches you to perform hair, nail, and makeup services. Unlike the esthetician pathway, prospective makeup artists pursuing cosmetology can offer an expansive menu of services beyond skin care. These include haircutting, color application, manicures, basic facials, waxing, and makeup application.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in North Carolina

You determine the best pathway for your makeup artist career. Cosmetology is likely a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive education with expanded career options. On the other hand, an esthetician program allows you to focus on makeup and skincare while securing a license more quickly.

Regardless of your chosen program, you need to pass written and practical exams created by NIC.

After completing the requirements, graduates can submit a license application with the accompanying fee: $49 for cosmetologists and $20 for estheticians.

North Carolina Makeup Artist Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skincare specialists (estheticians) in NC earn an average of $58,710 per year ($28.23 per hour), while cosmetologists average $43,130 ($20.74) as of 2023. However, this data doesn't include freelance makeup artists, which many people in this field are.

As data is limited and many factors, including years of experience and type of workplace, affect potential pay, you should speak with other makeup artists in your area to learn more.

Contact the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetology