12 Cool Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Makeup artist

A longtime makeup lover Stella Accardo decided to pursue a career in freelance makeup artistry after experiencing burn out in a previous role as a communications director for a non-profit. After taking a few courses that taught color theory, sanitary practices, and facial structure, she started to book weekend wedding gigs, which made summer her busy season. Weddings can be stressful, she says, because it’s a high-stakes event and the work is being done under a serious time-crunch. But Accardo says she loves it, because making people feel good is one of the rewards of the job.

Accardo enjoys bringing out ‘the confidence in someone they didn’t realize was there.’Working in Pennsylvania, Accardo charges around $500 per wedding, though the price fluctuates depending on the size of the bridal party. She enjoys the creativity and working with photographers. Some of her most precious memories on the job include doing makeup for mothers and grandmothers at weddings. She remembers one 80-something grandmother in particular who was set on matching her eye shadow to her turquoise dress.

When Accardo mixed some colors together to accommodate her, the grandmother thanked her profusely. Accardo says, ‘To make someone that happy is an amazing feeling.’Salary: According to the Bureau of National Labor Statistics, the median salary for makeup artists is $63,710 (2011) although wages can vary between $27,000 and $88,550, depending on market location and demand. Suggested skills: creativity, business sensibility, time management, customer service, knowledge of beauty industry, sensitive to the needs of brides and wedding parties,Working with a makeup artist anytime soon? Here are 22 secrets makeup artists wish they could tell you