Making people feel beautiful is a great way to spend your time, and a great way to build a career. If you’re interested in the beauty industry becoming a makeup artist and joining Washington’s beauty industry can have many rewards. Washington beauty schools offer plenty for a budding makeup artist. You can even take it one step further by becoming a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. Check out online program possibilities.

Seattle skyline
Seattle skyline by DubbaG [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

How Long Is School For MUAs in WA?

Washington beauty schools offer plenty of makeup courses and classes, but there is no separate makeup artist license. This makes it possible for schools to set their own number of hours for classes.

You will need to choose either a cosmetologist or esthetician license if you want to get certified which is similar to states like Texas.

You can supplement it with a variety of classes in special effect makeup, day/night makeup, and even permanent makeup and other makeup skills. Choosing an esthetician program means dedicating yourself to 750 hours of education in the study and practice of skin care. You will learn bacteriology and disease, facial massage and hair removal among other things. Find beauty colleges closest to you by using your ZIP in our app below:

A 1600 hours cosmetology covers all that and more, including manicuring and pedicuring services, shampooing, styling, chemical relaxing, and cutting hair, and other beauty techniques.

Makeup Schools in Washington With Costs & Length

NameAddressCost Length of ProgramOther Programs
Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology - Seattle 300 Pine Street, Seattle, 98101Unknown720 HrsCosmetology
Evergreen Beauty College1222 Bronson Way North
Renton, 98057
Tuition:$1,796.80
Books/Kit/Equipment:$1,039.20
Registration Fee:$250.00
Total:$3,086.00
*local sales tax is not included
12 weeksCosmetology, Hair Design, Esthetics, Nail Technician, Barbering,
Vivaluxx School of Makeup Art115 West Chestnut Street, Bellingham, 98225Tuition ($4,875) + Kits ($3,025) = $7,900
​($1,100 tuition discount, includes sales tax and $100 Registration Fee)
438 clock hoursFace & Body Painting, High Fashion and Editorial
Cedar's Academy of Makeup Artistry7414 Northeast Hazel Dell Avenue, Suite 218, Vancouver, 98665Unknown2 week accelerated Makeup Course / 12 Week Makeup CourseNone
Glam Lab Makeup Studios & Academy2917 Rainier Avenue,
Seattle, 98144
$2198 hoursNone
The Art of Makeup School400 East Evergreen Boulevard,
Vancouver, 98660
Tuition $7,030
Lab Materials $500
Kit M $2,585
Total Cost:
Tuition + Lab Materials + Kit M = $10,115
14-week (382 clock hours) Certificate Courses, Individual Classes, Specialty Classes

Your Washington Makeup License

The state board says you must be at least 17 years old with a high school education to apply for either your esthetic or cosmetology exams. You will need to take both a written and practical exam. Both exams require at least 75% to pass. A masters esthetician license requires an additional 450 hours of study, and a separate examIt also means you can provide advanced exfoliation and medical esthetic procedures. You’ll even study light frequency treatment, and chemical peels which can help you build a client base.

Moving From Out-Of-State?

If you currently have an active license in good standing in another state, you can transfer your license to Washington. You will need to prove your scores on your home state’s written and practical exam, and apply with a transfer application, and application fee. If your original license is from another country, you will still need to take whichever licensing exams you are applying for.

Renew Your Beauty License in WA

Whichever path you choose, your Washington cosmetology licenses must be renewed every two years. They will expire based on the date of your initial license. You must pay the renewal fee by that date.

No continuing education is required, but Washington’s beauty schools offer an array of makeup speciality courses. These are shorter, and come with no diploma, but you will receive a certificate that can help you get ahead in your career.

Employment Options For Makeup Artists in WA

You will have plenty of job opportunities in Washington’s diverse beauty scene. Your first two years will be devoted to building up a client base and reputation.

Get started by securing an apprenticeship through your school to one of Washington’s great spas or salons. Or check out the local job centers and job boards for opportunities.

Other Washington schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and cosmetologists

A Few School URLs:
tintseattlemakeupcosmetologyschool.com
evergreenbeauty.edu
vivaluxx.com
glamlabmakeupstudios.com
artofmakeup.com

Did we miss any makeup trainers in Washington? Please contact us to let us know.