Occupational Licensing Report | The Institute for Justice

License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing

Makeup Artist

Highlights

License required in 36 states
40th most burdensome licensing requirements
22nd most heavily regulated occupation

(Last updated April 24, 2012)

Definition

Makeup artists apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting and situation of their roles.

Summary

Thirty-six states license makeup artists. In most of these states, makeup or cosmetics clearly falls within the definition of "cosmetologist" or "esthetician," and makeup artists in those states are required to earn those licenses. In other states, it is not clear that makeup artists fit the definition, but the exclusion of certain makeup artists (such as those working on theatrical productions or sellers of cosmetics) suggests that they do. Louisiana has a separate license for makeup artists. The occupation ranks a relatively high 40th among the occupations studied in terms of burdensome requirements because states consistently require three to nine months of education and experience, two exams and an average of $116 in fees to get a license.

(Last updated May 1, 2012)

State Licensing Requirements

Burden Rank	State	Fees	Education/Experience (Days)	Exams	Minimum Grade	Minimum Age
1	Florida	$125	280	2	12	16
2	Alabama	$135	280	2	10	16
3	Kentucky	$200	233	2	12	18
4	Nevada	$90	210	2	10	18
5	Illinois	$203	175	1	12	16
6	Tennessee	$190	175	2	0	16
7	Indiana	$99	163	2	10	18
8	Vermont	$185	140	3	12	18
9	West Virginia	$159	140	3	12	18
10	Montana	$60	152	1	12	18
11	Arizona	$185	140	2	10	23
12	South Dakota	$80	140	3	12	18
13	New Jersey	$110	140	2	12	17
14	New Mexico	$50	140	3	10	17
15	Arkansas	$145	140	2	10	16
16	New Hampshire	$154	140	3	12	0
17	California	$115	140	2	10	17
18	Maine	$101	140	2	10	17
19	North Dakota	$50	140	2	12	18
20	Wyoming	$90	140	2	10	16
21	Idaho	$57	140	2	10	16.5
22	Ohio	$51	140	2	10	16
23	Iowa	$115	140	2	12	0
24	Oklahoma	$40	140	2	8	16
25	Colorado	$165	140	2	0	16
26	New York	$55	140	2	0	17
27	North Carolina	$129	140	2	0	0
28	Wisconsin	$202	105	2	12	18
29	South Carolina	$165	105	2	10	16
30	Oregon	$73	117	2	0	0
31	Michigan	$64	93	2	9	17
32	Pennsylvania	$159	70	2	10	16
33	Delaware	$143	70	2	10	16
34	Alaska	$205	82	2	0	0
35	Louisiana	$25	9	0	10	16
36	Nebraska	$10	0	0	0	0

(Last updated April 24, 2012)