How much should I tip on a $120 tattoo?

Author: Madisyn Gaylord  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Because average tattoo prices vary between artists, the general rule of thumb is to tip a percentage of the final cost. Many people choose to tip about 20% of the overall price of their tattoo – just like at a barbershop or massage appointment.

How much do you tip on a $120 tattoo?

15-20% is good, (obviously tipping is just a bonus, it's never a requirement) but if the artist did a fantastic job. Then it's definitely a nice gesture, and shows the artist you care abit more than just being the person delivering the ink into skin process. Along with continuing your relationship with the artist.

How much do you tip for a $125 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%.

Is $20 a good tip for a $100 tattoo?

For every $100 spent on the tattoo most would say $20-$25 but I think most artists agree there is a reasonable limit to that. Probably anything over a $250 tip for one's days worth of tattooing might be unnecessary however greatly appreciated.

Do you tip on expensive tattoos?

Tattoo tipping etiquette is a topic of ongoing discussion among artists and clients. Many people agree that it is customary to tip tattoo artists 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. For a $4,000 tattoo, this would amount to a tip ranging from $600 to $800, significantly higher than the $200 tip given by the client.

How much should YOU BE TIPPING YOUR TATTOO ARTIST?

Is it rude not to tip a tattoo artist?

Both Gomez and Dim say that tipping isn't essential, but it is a kind way of showing your artist appreciation for their service and for their work. "I don't believe it's necessary for you to provide a tip. In fact, it doesn't make a difference if you choose not to tip — even if you enjoyed the tattoo," says Dim.

How much to tip on a $130 tattoo?

The most common way to tip a tattoo artist is to tip a percentage of the total cost of the tattoo. Many people tip about 20% of the overall price to show some extra love to their tattoo artist, especially if they invested a considerable amount of time and effort into your tattoo work.

Is $40 a good tip for $200 tattoo?

A common guideline: 15 to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. This range reflects the quality of work and the overall experience provided. For instance, if your tattoo costs $200, tipping 15 to 20% would mean a $30 to $40 tip.

Why do tattoo artists prefer cash?

Many tattoo artists prefer to be paid in cash as it simplifies the transaction and allows for a seamless commission payment to the studio. Invoicing or involving banks and payment sites can introduce unnecessary complications to an already busy workflow.

Is $50 enough tip for tattoo?

If the tattoo takes an hour or less, a 20 percent tip may be appropriate. But when the time stretches into multiple hours, you'll want the tip to reflect the artist's commitment to your artwork. This can range from 20 dollars to 50 dollars or more, depending on the tattoo.

How do you calculate tattoo tip?

The best rule of thumb you can follow is to tip at least 20 percent of the total cost of your service and tip even more for custom, intricate tattoo styles.

How to calculate tip?

If your total bill is $200 and you want to tip 15%, work out the tip by multiplying the total bill by 0.15. You can then add this amount to your bill when it comes to pay. Simple. Or alternatively, you can multiply the bill excluding service by 1.15 (assuming you want to leave that same 15% tip).

Do you tip every tattoo session?

If you're getting a larger piece that requires multiple sessions, you might be wondering when and how many times you should tip your artist. "Most people tip a little after each session, and then a bigger tip when the project is done," explains Shuliar.

How big of a tattoo can I get for 150?

A small (2” by 2”) tattoo could be priced anywhere from $30 to $100 on average, and a tattoo double that size (4” by 4”) could cost you somewhere between $150 to $250. Tattoo artists charge typically charge between $120 to $150 per hour, and the pricing depends on how long the tattoo will take to complete.

What is a generous tip for a tattoo?

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule governing how much to tip tattoo artists. As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard.

Is $50 enough for a tattoo?

Most tattoo shops have a minimum charge, which covers the cost of their time, materials, and equipment. Minimum charges typically range from $50 to $100, regardless of the size or complexity of the design.

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 $100 a good tip for a tattoo?

Given the high cost of living and the competitive nature of the industry, it's not uncommon for clients to tip their tattoo artists 20-25%. So if your mesmerizing sleeve costs you $500 at a premier Manhattan parlor, you might find yourself tipping in the ballpark of $100 to $125.

Is it bad to not tip your tattoo artist on Reddit?

Tips are not expected, but please do not put yourself in a worse financial spot because of it.

How big of a tattoo can I get for $500?

That being said, $500 can get you a decent-sized tattoo, depending on the above factors. For example, a small-to-medium-sized tattoo (palm-hand size) on your arm or leg could cost around $300 to $600, while a larger design that covers your back or chest could cost upwards of $1000.

What to do before a tattoo appointment?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  1. Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Shave. ...
  4. Shower. ...
  5. Moisturize your Skin. ...
  6. Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Dress for you Session. ...
  8. Do not show up Intoxicated.

Can you get a tattoo touched up by a different artist?

It is very common for a tattoo artist to finish another artist's work. Sometimes this decision comes down to practicality. For example, the original artist might be overbooked or realize that the concept you envision is something they feel uncomfortable completing.

Previous article
Is it possible for scar tissue to go away?
Next article
What can I clean my microbladed eyebrows with?