How Much Do Lash Techs Make? The Truth About Lash Artist Income

If you're thinking about becoming a lash tech, one of the biggest questions you probably have is: How much do lash techs make? The answer isn’t as simple as a set number—it depends on your experience, location, and how you run your business. But let’s break it down so you can see the potential in this career!
Starting as a Lash Tech: What to Expect
When I teach my students how to become a lash artist, I always tell them to start by looking at what they made per hour in their last job. That way, they’re at least matching their previous income while they build their new career.
As a beginner lash tech, you can expect to make anywhere from $30 to $50 an hour. With more experience, training, and speed, you can increase that to $75 to $100 an hour. The key is to keep improving your craft, learning new techniques, and finding the right pricing for your services.
Lash Tech Income: The Reality
There are plenty of income charts online, but the truth is, your income depends on a few key factors:
- The quality of your work – Clients will pay more for beautiful, long-lasting lashes.
- Your location – Lash techs in big cities tend to charge more than those in smaller towns.
- Your pricing strategy – Are you charging enough to cover your time, products, and business expenses?
- Your speed – The faster you can complete a quality set, the more clients you can take.
- Your business model – Solo artists and salon-based techs have different earning potentials.
At Mish Esthetics Salon, my lash artists make between $25 to $45 an hour, depending on how busy they are and how many hours they work. Some lash techs choose to work at a salon because they don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent and supplies. Others prefer to work solo so they can set their own prices and keep all their earnings.
Solo Lash Artists vs. Salon Lash Artists
Working independently as a solo lash artist can be very profitable, but it also comes with extra responsibilities. You’ll need to cover your own expenses, such as rent, insurance, and lash extension supplies. Plus, you should set aside 25-30% of your income for taxes.
A solo lash artist can make six figures a year if they have a strong client base, use good marketing strategies, and offer extra services like retail products or lash fills. A part-time lash artist can still make around $40,000 a year, depending on how many clients they take.
Maximizing Your Earnings as a Lash Tech
If you want to increase your income as a lash artist, here are some strategies:
- Improve your speed – The faster you work, the more clients you can fit in a day.
- Use high-quality lash supplies – Clients will return if they love your work. A good lash supply store can make a big difference.
- Offer retail products – Selling aftercare products can boost your income.
- Invest in education – Take courses to learn new techniques and increase your prices.
- Retain clients – Happy clients come back and refer others!
Becoming a successful lash tech takes time, but the income potential is huge. Whether you work for a salon or run your own business, you can build a rewarding career in the lash industry. Just focus on improving your craft, managing your business wisely, and always using the best lash extension supplies!
Are you ready to start your lash journey? Check out our upcoming beginner lash training from Apr 11-12, 2025 and our lash supply store for everything you need to succeed!