Author: expert Ella Pill
Instagram: @ella_permanentmakeup
21 years in the beauty industry. An expert in permanent makeup for Eyebrows, Lips, and Eyeliner.
New York City’s beauty industry is a goldmine for skilled microblading artists. With flawless brows topping every influencer’s must-have list, demand for semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement has never been higher. But the real question on every aspiring artist’s mind: how much can you actually earn doing microblading in New York?
In 2025, a microblading artist in New York earns an average of $73,555 per year-or roughly $35 per hour-with top performers clearing $110,000+ annually. Entry-level artists start closer to $33,891 (about $16/hour), while seasoned pros in high-traffic Manhattan studios or private suites dominate the upper tier.
This comprehensive guide breaks down NYC microblading salaries, compares earnings across California, Texas, and Florida, and reveals the key factors that determine whether you’ll earn $40K or $150K+. Let’s get into the numbers.
| Metric | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Average | $73,555 | $35.36 |
| Top Earners (90th %ile) | $110,967+ | $53+ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,891 | $16.30 |
Source: 2025 industry data for the greater New York metro area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and surrounding regions.
These figures reflect full-time artists working 35–40 hours per week. Independent contractors and studio owners often exceed $120K by stacking appointments, offering add-ons, and building premium pricing.
Earnings vary significantly by location:
Assuming a 4-5% overall industry growth rate (factoring in inflation, client spending, and NYC’s premium market), combined with microblading-specific demand surges from social media and wellness integrations, here’s our approximate forecast:
| Metric | 2026 Projected Annual Salary | 2026 Projected Hourly Rate |
| Average | $77,000 – $78,000 | $37 – $38 |
| Top Earners (90th %ile) | $116,000 – $120,000+ | $56 – $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,500 – $36,000 | $17 – $17.50 |
Your paycheck isn’t just about talent-it’s about strategy. Here’s what separates six-figure artists from the pack:
Pro tip: Get certified in nano brows, ombre powder, or combo brows to justify premium pricing.
High-volume artists work 4–5 days, book back-to-back, and minimize no-shows with deposits.
A single microblading session in NYC ranges from $250 (budget salons) to $1,600 (celebrity artists). Most fall between $600–$900, including initial consult + 6–8 week touch-up.
Math Example: 4 clients/week × $800/session × 48 weeks = $153,600/year (before expenses).
The best earners dominate Instagram, TikTok, and Google Maps. A strong before-and-after portfolio + 5-star reviews = endless referrals.
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Top Earners | Session Price Range |
| New York | $73,555 | $110,967+ | $600–$1,600 |
| Calif. | $62,083 | $98,500+ | $500–$1,200 |
| Tex. | $58,608–$62,907 | $80,000+ | $400–$800 |
| Flor. | $62,907 | $98,500 | $450–$800 |
Why NYC Wins: Higher client spending, denser population, and luxury beauty culture = 20–25% higher earnings than the national average.
Yes-but it takes hustle.
One top Brooklyn artist reports $220,000 in 2024 from 18 clients/week + online courses.
If you want to become a microblading master, enroll in a comprehensive course at All Esthetics. You’ll master color theory, including covering dark lips and mixing colors for flawless results on any skin tone.
Get hands-on with lots of practice on latex to refine strokes, pressure, and symmetry. Learn the color wheel (explained simply) to neutralize tones and create natural brows/lips.
Dive into different needles (nano to U-shaped) and their effects on pigment and healing. Explore PMU machines, including proper holding and maneuvering for precision.
Prep for your PMU license exam with full coverage: sanitation, bloodborne pathogens, anatomy, consultations, aftercare, and mock tests.
Master choosing shapes and colors for clients using facial mapping, golden ratios, undertone analysis, and lifestyle factors.
That’s just the start-plus pigment science, allergy testing, photography, marketing, and client-building tips to launch a six-figure career.
Absolutely-if you treat it like a business.
With an average salary of $73,555, low startup costs, and unlimited scaling potential, microblading is one of NYC’s most lucrative beauty careers. Combine artistry with smart marketing, and you’re not just filling brows-you’re building an empire.
Ready to start? Get certified, post your first transformation, and watch the bookings roll in.
Salary data current as of November 2025. Individual results vary based on effort, branding, and market conditions.
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