by our College Data Analytics TeamA 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. Read on to learn the essential details every permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing programs.
Across the country, permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing is a widely-pursued major, with 90 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing Schools ranking analyzes these 1 schools to determine the best overall colleges for permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing programs later in this article.
Coursework for Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 90 |
People currently working in careers related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing can lead to a variety of career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 253,179 | 6.7% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 226,641 | -3.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $17,533 |
| 4 years | $20,210 |
| 5 years | $22,425 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
With 1 different permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing school rankings to help you.
Those considering permanent cosmetics/makeup & tattooing, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General | 55,875 |
| Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist | 42,738 |
| Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist | 14,442 |
| Barbering/Barber | 12,398 |
| Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist | 2,901 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other | 2,497 |
| Master Aesthetician/Esthetician | 1,882 |
| Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor | 1,436 |
| Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design | 1,386 |
| Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager | 514 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
