How to Become a Permanent Makeup Artist: Training & License Requirements
Discover how to become a permanent makeup artist. Learn about the job duties, training and license requirements, salary, and job outlook to determine if working as a permanent makeup artist is a good fit for you.
Career Information at a Glance
Permanent makeup artists apply makeup on clients based on the outlined needs of the client. Clients can include television personalities, stage performers, and film actors, among others. Permanent makeup artists must understand the nature of the client's work to align their makeup application with the production, setting, or situation. Check out the table below for quick info on the requirements and responsibilities of permanent makeup artists.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> High school diploma or GED at minimum</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Educational Field of Study</b> </td><td> Cosmetology</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Detail-orientation, perceptiveness, and customer service skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> 37% (theatrical and performance makeup artists)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $106,920 (theatrical and performance makeup artists)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesAPermanentMakeupArtistDo">What Does a Permanent Makeup Artist Do?</h3><p>Permanent makeup artists are responsible for applying makeup as a means of enhancing or altering the look of their clients in keeping with the specifications outlined by the client. Their work also requires them to be able to thoroughly analyze the skin of clients so that applied makeup does not cause skin reactions or breakouts. Permanent makeup artists must also understand how to properly select makeup shades and mix various elements such as oil or grease to achieve color and other special effects.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationalTrainingRequirements">What Are the Educational & Training Requirements?</h3><p>At a minimum, permanent makeup artists are required to have a high school diploma or GED. Most permanent makeup artists are also required to have a certificate in cosmetology. While specific licensing and training requirements can vary by state, most states have mandated that permanent makeup artists complete roughly 1,000 hours of classroom or on-the-job esthetician training and pass a written exam to demonstrate proficiency.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheSkillRequirements">What Are the Skill Requirements?</h3><p>Customer service is a vital skill, as permanent makeup artists interact with their clients regularly. Communication skills are also a necessity so permanent makeup artists can understand the needs of the client or project, as well as clearly convey information to clients. Perceptiveness allows permanent makeup artists to properly assess the skin needs of their clients. In the same manner, detail-orientation helps to ensure the makeup used and the application of that makeup meets the needs of the client. Additionally, dexterity would also be of great use for precision and consistent makeup application on a daily basis.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIEarn">How Much Can I Earn?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $106,920 for theatrical and performance makeup artists. Many permanent makeup artists, such as those hired to work on television and film sets, are self-employed. Some permanent makeup artists work at cosmetic facilities, while others work at spas and doctors' offices.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What Is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The BLS projects a growth rate of 37% between 2020 and 2030 for theatrical and performance makeup artists. This rate is much faster than the average among all occupations. Beauty trends and growth in the television and film industry seem to indicate that the demand for professional permanent makeup services will remain high. Those individuals with certificates or professional licenses and a record of experience have the greatest prospects for landing a job in this field.</p>