How Much Do Permanent Makeup Artists Make in Colorado? (2026 Guide)
If you’re considering a career in permanent makeup (PMU) — including microblading, ombre brows, lip blush, or eyeliner tattoo — one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely:
What can I realistically earn as a permanent makeup artist in Colorado?
Salary potential varies widely based on location, experience, services offered, business model, and client base. Below is a breakdown of current earnings data and projected income trends for PMU artists in Colorado in 2026.
Average Salary for Permanent Makeup Artists in Colorado
In the Denver area — the biggest market in Colorado for PMU services — recent salary data gives us strong insight into expected earnings:
📊 Average Base Salary in Denver, CO:
Around $54,087 per year for permanent makeup artists.
📍 Typical Salary Range Locally:
Low end: ≈ $48,332 per year
Average / Median: ≈ $54,000 per year
High end: ≈ $61,272 per year
These figures reflect typical wage-based roles rather than self-employed earnings.
💡 Keep in mind: these figures are for employees with PMU duties in clinics or studios. Independent business owners and highly seasoned artists often earn significantly more based on pricing, volume, and reputation.
How Experience Affects Earnings
Permanent makeup earning potential grows sharply with experience, client base, and skill level:
Entry-Level Artists
$30,000 – $45,000 annually
Typically new graduates or assistants building hours.
Mid-Level Artists
$50,000 – $70,000+ annually
Growing client list, repeat bookings, solid healed results.
Experienced & Specialty Artists
$70,000 – $100,000+ annually with potential for even more, especially if operating independently or commanding premium pricing.
Highly experienced artists with strong portfolios and referral networks can exceed the general range.
Hourly & Alternative Pay Structures
Depending on how you work, earnings may also be structured differently:
Hourly or salary: typical in medspas or multi-service studios
Per service pricing: common for independent artists
Package pricing: clients pay for initial + touch-ups
Retainer or membership plans: recurring revenue model
Because PMU procedures (like microblading) often command $500–$900+ per session, profit per hour — especially for independent artists — can exceed hourly averages seen in wage data.
Factors That Influence Income
Several variables affect what a PMU artist earns:
📍 Location
Denver and Boulder often command higher prices due to demand and cost of living.
Smaller Colorado markets may pay less but offer lower overhead.
🎓 Training & Portfolio
Graduates from quality programs with live model experience often charge more.
Demonstrated healed results build reputation faster.
💼 Work Setting
Medspa/Studio Employee: Stable salary and benefits.
Independent Artist: Higher per-service rates and keeping full revenue, but with business costs.
Hybrid Model: Base pay plus commission or room rental.
🛠 Services Offered
Offering multiple services (brows, lips, eyeliner) increases income.
Specials like color corrections or scar camouflage can command premium pricing.
Realistic Earning Scenarios in 2026
Here are three broad examples for PMU artists in Colorado:
💡 Example A — Early Career (Employee)
Salary: $48,000 – $55,000
Works in a studio or medspa
Gains experience and portfolio images
💡 Example B — Mid-Level Independent
Annual Revenue: $60,000 – $90,000+
Charges per service (e.g., $700/session)
Builds repeat clients + referrals
💡 Example C — Highly Experienced / Business Owner
Annual Earnings: $100,000+
Leads trainings, offers premium services
Possibly rents space or builds own studio
Independent practice provides the most flexibility and upside — especially for artists with strong business skills.
Why Training Quality Affects Salary
Quality PMU education directly impacts earnings because:
✔ Stronger technique → better healed results
✔ Better consultations → higher client conversion
✔ Business and pricing strategy support
✔ Portfolio building from supervised live models
✔ Medical safety and sanitation — essential for client trust
Investing in comprehensive training pays off through elevated skill, confidence, and demand.
Final Takeaway
Permanent makeup artists in Colorado can expect to earn a competitive income, with average base salaries in the mid-$50,000s for employees and significantly higher earnings possible for independent artists or specialists.
Training, experience, and business strategy play a major role in how much you ultimately make — and many successful PMU artists grow beyond traditional salary ranges to build thriving, scalable practices.
👉 Explore permanent makeup Training in Denver
Start permanent makeup Training
For many aspiring estheticians, daytime education simply isn’t an option. Work commitments, financial responsibilities, and family obligations often require a more flexible approach. A night esthetician program offers the opportunity to pursue a new career without disrupting your current livelihood.