How much is a good tattoo artist per hour?

Author: Jalon Bernier  |  Last update: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Many tattoo artists charge an hourly rate, ranging from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on their skill level and reputation. Hourly rates may be more common for custom designs or larger, more detailed pieces.

Is $200 an hour a lot for a tattoo artist?

According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for tattoo artists is about $100. This is typical for experienced, non-apprentice tattoo artists with solid portfolios, but some popular tattooists charge as much as $300 per hour.

What do most tattoo artists charge per hour?

The national average according to tattoo smarts survey is 250 - 350 per hour. Personally, I charge 200 per hour. Private sessions. I make sure my clients are taken care of and that their experience is exceptional.

Is $100 an hour for a tattoo good?

A lot of good artists will tell you 100-150$ per hour. But if you are a good customer, nice, etc, and paying for multiple hours of tattooing, it's pretty normal for an artist to charge you less. Also, it's customary to tip, which is pretty much up to your discretion.

How much should I tip for a $500 tattoo?

A good tip for a tattoo artist typically ranges from 15% to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. If you feel the artist did an exceptional job or provided excellent service, you might consider tipping more than 20%.

Tattoo Pricing Methods

Do you tip for a $1000 tattoo?

As we state generally “tips are not required, but appreciated “ because most tattoo artists in a shop minus the owner are making 50-60% of the total cost… on a $1000 tattoo (most likely multiple sessions) I would tip at least $100-$150 for every session done.. so roughly I'd say average a good tip on a tattoo that's ...

Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist their hourly rate?

There's nothing wrong with asking what the hourly rate is, and for a rough estimate of how long the tattoo will take. Trying to talk them down on their rates, though, that's where it gets rude. You have to have an idea of the cost...

How much does a Kat Von D tattoo cost?

Kat Von D | $400 sitting fee + $200+/hr

Kat began her career in the early 2000s as an artist, creating her own clothing line and appearing on popular television shows. She is best known for her work as a tattoo artist and appearances on LA Ink, and she has tattoo shops in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

How much is a 1 hour tattoo session?

How much is a 1 hour tattoo? The cost for a 1-hour tattoo session in the UK generally ranges between £60 and £150, depending on the artist's skill level, experience, and demand. Renowned artists with a high demand might charge at the higher end of this range.

How to decide tattoo price?

  1. Small tattoos (2-4 inches): Anywhere from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.
  2. Medium tattoos (5-7 inches): Prices range between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000.
  3. Large tattoos (8 inches and above): These can go from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 or more depending on the design complexity and the artist's skill.

How are tattoos usually priced?

On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.

How much are most tattoos per hour?

The usual cost ranges between £80 and £100 per hour. The time required for each tattoo depends on various factors, including the size, complexity, and intricacy of the design.

How much to tip for a $200 tattoo?

Tattoo tipping rates

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.

How do I ask for a tattoo price?

Narrow down your choices and call each establishment to ask about the cost of a particular tattoo you're interested in getting. Ask about additional charges, like for the design, stencils, or aftercare products. Establish trust with the artist by clarifying that you are not trying to get a bargain or a cheap tattoo.

What annoys tattoo artists?

Tattoo Etiquette: 11 Annoying Things People Say and Do In Tattoo Shops
  • Not Showering Beforehand. If you're going on a date, you shower. ...
  • Comparing an Artist's Work to Someone Else's. Sometimes, people disrespect a tattoo artist without even meaning to. ...
  • Bringing a Bunch of Friends. ...
  • Walking in Wasted. ...
  • Skipping the Tip.

What not to say to a tattoo artist?

Here's some of the things you may want to avoid saying or asking: “Can you go any faster?” – If you want a crappy tattoo, maybe. “If I don't like it, can I get a refund?” – No, sorry. You pre-approved the art before they started.

Is it rude to not tip a tattoo artist?

Generally, tipping in the tattoo industry is customary and expected. It's an easy way to acknowledge your artist's creative skill, effort, and time spent on your tattoo.

Where is the least painful place to get a tattoo?

Forearms (this is the number 1 least painful spot) Outside of upper arms. Outside of shoulders. Outside upper thigh.

How many hours is 1 tattoo session?

However, don't expect this from your artist. A typical tattoo session is about 4 to 6 hours, with some clients choosing to book sessions back-to-back.

What is a $50 tattoo?

$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs. Other areas of the body start at only $70. Actual size may differ from listing on this page depending on your browser settings. Please consult your artist for actual sizing.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo?

Large tattoos, such as full sleeves, back pieces, or expansive designs that cover multiple body parts, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, or more. The price will depend on the design's detail, the artist's rates, and the number of sessions required to complete the tattoo.

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