Permanent Makeup Earnings – What to Expect in 2025

If you’re thinking about a career in permanent makeup (PMU), the first question on most people’s mind is money. How much can you actually earn doing microblading, lip tinting, or scalp pigmentation? The answer depends on a handful of simple factors – experience, location, the type of work you do, and how you price your services. Below we break down the numbers you’ll see on the ground and give you practical ways to raise your paycheck.

Typical Salary Ranges

In the UK, entry‑level PMU artists usually start at around £15,000‑£20,000 a year if they work full‑time in a salon. After a year or two, most reach the £25,000‑£35,000 bracket. Seasoned artists with a solid client base and advanced certifications can pull in £45,000‑£60,000, especially if they specialize in high‑margin services like 3D brows or full‑face pigmentation.

Freelancers have even more upside. A well‑managed freelance PMU artist can charge £150‑£250 per microblading session. With 15‑20 sessions a month, that translates to roughly £27,000‑£45,000 before taxes. Some top freelancers who travel for celebrity work or run workshops earn over £70,000 annually.

What Drives Your Pay?

Location. London, Manchester, and Edinburgh command higher rates because of higher living costs and greater demand for premium beauty services. Smaller towns often see lower fees, but the competition is lighter, so you may fill your schedule faster.

Experience & qualifications. Holding a recognised NVQ or an accredited PMU certification (e.g., from the Beauty Guild) lets you charge premium prices. Clients trust artists with proven training, and salons are willing to pay more for skilled staff.

Service mix. Offering a range of procedures – brows, eyeliner, lip tint, areola reconstruction – lets you upsell and increase average ticket size. Bundling services (e.g., brow + lip) often boosts revenue by 20‑30%.

Marketing. A strong Instagram presence, referral program, or partnership with local spas can bring a steady stream of high‑paying clients. Visibility often outweighs raw skill when it comes to earning potential.

Now that you know the basics, here are three quick ways to lift your earnings:

• Raise your rates gradually. Every 6‑12 months, add £10‑£20 to each service if you’ve added new techniques or received positive reviews.
• Offer retainer packages. Sell “maintenance” plans where clients book touch‑ups every 12‑18 months. This guarantees repeat income.
• Teach. Host workshops or online masterclasses. Even a single weekend course can bring in a few thousand pounds and position you as an industry authority.

Bottom line: permanent makeup can be a lucrative career if you focus on skill development, smart pricing, and consistent marketing. Track your hours, adjust rates as your expertise grows, and you’ll see your earnings climb year after year.