How much does a face painter cost?
How much does a face painter cost?
$75 – $200 cost per hour
$5 – $25 cost per person
Average face painting prices
Face painting prices are $75 to $200 per hour for private parties or $5 to $25 per child or per person for festivals. Face painting artists are a great entertainment choice for a kid's birthday party, nonprofit event, or even a wedding. Face painters can also give airbrush or glitter tattoos.
| Fee structure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $75 – $200 |
| Per child | $5 – $25 |
Price for face painting by type
Face painting costs depend on the method. Traditional brush painting takes longer but costs less per hour. Airbrushed and glitter designs cost more, but the artist can do 30 to 40 designs per hour instead of 10 to 25 faces with traditional paint.
| Painting type | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Traditional brush | $75 – $150 |
| Airbrush design | $130 – $200 |
| Glitter tattoos | $100 – $170 |
Glitter tattoos and airbrush designs are water-resistant and last up to 3 to 7 days. They're ideal for summer birthday parties or pool parties.
Face painting cost factors
The following factors influence the cost of hiring a professional face painter:
Design complexity: Full-face or intricate designs take longer and may cost more than simpler forehead or single-eyed designs. Most artists offer a variety of designs and may limit them based on the duration of your event and the number of guests. Custom designs or logos cost more.
Duration: Some face painters charge a reduced rate when you book them for 2 or more hours instead of just 1 hour. Some painters have a 2-hour minimum.
Number of guests: Larger parties will either need to hire a face painter for a longer duration or limit the artwork to smaller, simpler designs. Some painters charge rates based on your party's size. Ask the face painter if they offer a group rate, which often results in a lower per-child price overall.
Travel fees: The artist may charge a travel fee or ask that you compensate them for their gas or mileage if your event is a considerable distance from their location.
Season / date: Artists often charge higher rates for holidays or events that take place during the peak season, which is March through October.
Extras: Some face painting companies offer extra services like costumes, balloons, or character meet-and-greets.
Related services
Check out the following list of prices for other popular party services:
Bounce house rentals cost $140 to $280 or $30 to $50 per hour.
Photo booth rentals cost $400 to $1,000.
Balloon arches cost $10 to $30 per linear foot or $150 to $1,200 on average.
Caricature artists charge $100 to $200 per hour.
Henna tattooing costs $70 to $100 per hour.
Clowns charge $150 to $250 total.
Face painting FAQs
Can you put acrylic paint on your face?
No, you should not use acrylic paint on your face, even if it says it's non-toxic. Acrylic paint is not meant for skin and can irritate your face. Professional face painters use high-quality, hypoallergenic, water-based face paint.
Do face painters charge for set up and tear down?
No, face painters usually do not charge extra for setting up or tearing down. Their stations are minimal, so they rarely take a long time to manage.
Do face painters paint babies?
No, most face painters do not paint babies or children under age 3. Young children and infants are not able to sit still long enough to apply a good design, and there's more of a chance that the paint (or washing off the paint) would irritate their sensitive skin.
How do I remove face paint?
You can remove face paint with soap and warm water. Some lighter colors can come off easily with a baby wipe, while others may need a washcloth.
How to find face painters near you
Before you hire a face painter near you, follow these steps:
Compare multiple prices from local companies and compare their rates.
Read reviews on Fash and Google.
Look at pictures from customers or view an online portfolio.
Ask whether they charge a flat fee, per hour, or per person.
Request a detailed estimate in writing.
Questions to ask face painting companies
Ask the following questions to help you choose a face painter that will be the best fit for your event:
How long have you been in business?
Do you charge any fees for travel or extra services?
Do you have a minimum time limit?
How many faces can you usually do per hour?
Do you offer lower rates for longer parties?
What type of paint do you use?
Can you do glitter tattoos or airbrush tattoos?
What kind of designs do you have? Can I see pictures?
Which designs would you recommend, based on the number of guests?
Can you give me an estimate or contract in writing?
Can you create a custom design or logo? How much would that cost?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.