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.
The biggest thing to remember here is that there's no hard rule for how much to tip tattoo artists. Tattooers don't necessarily expect to be tipped, but they definitely always appreciate it. As with tipping waitstaff, 15-20 percent is a good standard. So, if you pay $200 for a tattoo, you're looking at a $30-50 tip.
In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
If you decide to tip, the next step is to calculate exactly how much to add to the final tattoo price. The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.
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.
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.
Every service industry has unspoken rules about tipping. Tattooing is no different. While tips aren't required, it is expected, so you'll want to factor that into the cost.
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).
There isn't a standard. In tattooing tipping is seen as gratuity for a good experience, so if you have a good experience and feel like your tattooer is doing their best for a personalized trade like tattooing, be prepared to tip. Don't tip more than you can afford just to “be nice”.
Click here to jump to the Tattoo Tip Cheat Sheet.) Generally, 15-25% should be the amount you tip.
But if you want something with detail or perfectly sharp lines, you can expect to pay as much as $500. It really depends heavily upon the design, the artist, and where in the world you're getting your tattoo.
No, do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after getting a tattoo. In fact, you shouldn't drink for 24 hours before getting a tattoo either. Your new tattoo will be considered an open wound, and alcohol delays the body's healing process.
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.
You can pay as much as you want and think is appropriate. But it is unethical to tip tattooers a few dollars as their service usually costs hundreds of dollars. It is generally accepted to tip 15-20% of total price to your tattoo artist. It means that from a $250 tattoo, you will tip $37.5-50.
In the past year, most tattoo artists have increased their prices to $150-$210/hr, depending on location. This is to cover the increasing prices of everything around us (groceries, rent, etc.). Note: In many places, tattoos were cheap during the COVID-19 pandemic to get clients in the door.
Is tipping expected? In short, no. Long before tipping culture became, well, what it is today, tattoo artists and piercers were traditionally tipped.