by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 2 U.S. colleges awarded 91 degrees and certificates in Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing. Graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing, rising to $26,912 after four years.
A degree in Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing involves the study of Permanent Cosmetics/makeup And Tattooing. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Prepare And Apply Permanent Markings, Color, And Cosmetic Products To The Face And Body For Aesthetic Or Clinical Purposes; To Remove Unwanted Markings; And To Function As Licensed Permanent Makeup Artists And Tattooists. Includes Instruction In Client Consultation; Sterilization And Sanitation; Skin Anatomy, Diseases, And Disorders; Skin Preparation And Anesthetics; Color Theory; Machine Theory And Operation; Needle Selection; Applications Such As Eyebrows, Eyeliners, Lips, Lipliners, Beauty Marks, And Blemish/mark Removal; After Care; Laws And Regulations; And Business Practices.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing is a widely-pursued major, with 91 degrees awarded annually. 2 colleges award permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing degrees, an average of 46 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 88.
By level, the 91 awards include 88 certificates.
Women earned 76% of permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing degrees and certificates in the latest year (69 of 91).
O*NET rates Speaking the most important skill for jobs related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing, at 3.8 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Sales and Marketing. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Arm-Hand Steadiness and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 88 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing, at 53.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 53.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 27.2% |
| Some college courses | 4.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 4.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 4.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.4% |
| First professional degree | 2.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing, with an average median salary of $37,808; the strongest outlook belongs to Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, at 6.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Beauty Therapist, Beauty Advisor, Hair and Makeup Designer and Beauty Specialist.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing, at 253,179.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 253,179 | 6.7% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 226,641 | -3.6% |
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing their program, $26,912 after four years and $22,624 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $17,621 |
| 4 years | $26,912 |
| 5 years | $22,624 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing is Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, with a median salary of $39,017.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing has 12 similar majors in the Personal & Culinary Services field, which together award 133,127 degrees a year; the largest are Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General (56,828), Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist (38,219) and Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist (14,526). Browse all Personal & Culinary Services majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General | 56,828 |
| Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist | 38,219 |
| Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist | 14,526 |
| Barbering/Barber | 12,249 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other | 2,592 |
| Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist | 2,499 |
| Master Aesthetician/Esthetician | 2,242 |
| Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design | 1,479 |
| Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor | 1,259 |
| Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager | 546 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.