Congratulations on considering a career as a microblading specialist! You’ll be entering the world of permanent cosmetics — a stimulating and rewarding profession.

You might remember from our post on the differences between permanent makeup and microblading that microblading is only a technique, a form of permanent cosmetics. As such, in order to become a microblading specialist, you must study permanent makeup, otherwise known as permanent cosmetics.

Here we will try to answer all of your questions about becoming a microblading/permanent makeup artist.

First off, what are permanent costmetics?

Permanent cosmetics (microblading, or permanent makeup) is a practice that uses tattoo-like machines to deposit pigments under skin in order to replicate a natural makeup look. To anyone who doesn’t know much about it, cosmetic tattoo may seem like a vanity, but really, it transcends it — many people with alopecia, vitiligo, scars, baldness, genetic anomalies or cancer often resort to cosmetic tattoo to help them feel better about their appearance. Older age women and women with parkinson’s disease also often opt for permanent cosmetics when applying makeup has become an impossible task. Permanent cosmetics is also a recourse for women who want to skip applying makeup every day and enhance their appearance in a more permanent way.

Why should you consider a career as a permanent makeup artist?

There are many benefits to choosing this highly specialized profession. First of all, the fact that it is a highly specialized profession means there are fewer people out there who are good at doing this, thus, there is less competition. For example, there are far fewer permanent makeup artists than there are hair stylists. As a result, permanent makeup artists can charge more for their services and as a result have higher incomes.

Additionally, this profession allows you the flexibility to become your own boss, either from the start or when you feel ready, but the possibility is there, as opposed to many other career fields. According to a 2016 survey from the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, 87.1% of permanent makeup professionals who took the survey are self-employed and almost another 20% are independent contractors.

The following estimates are moderate, given that we are going by the lower spectrum of average microblading prices. We are also only focusing on Eyebrow Microblading. Permanent makeup artists also do eyeliner and lips, among others.

What is the average salary for a permanent makeup artist?

Average salary statistics for permanent makeup artists are not easily found for several reasons:

1. It’s a very specialized field
2. Income depends on how much the artist charges per procedure and how many procedures he or she does.
3. Salaries are not the norm, as most permanent makeup artists are self-employed.

Remember, permanent make up artists usually do several procedures, most commonly eyebrows, eyeliners and lips. Some estimates online say the average salary is between $55,000 to $80,000 a year. These estimates can vary greatly, but it is important to note that even the lowest of that range is a very decent salary per US standards.

For the purposes of estimating how much you could earn as a permanent makeup artist, it would be more accurate to discuss income and profit. Income is the total amount of revenue that you will pocket immediately after a procedure, and profit will be whatever is left after you pay for expenses such as: material, rent, licenses, insurance, etc.

Let’s start with just microblading. Microblading prices vary greatly depending on location and the esthetician’s experience. We have seen prices go as low as $400 and as high as $1500 for eyebrow microblading. You are welcome do to do your own math, but here’s what we came up with for possible income generated: