What should my tattoo budget be?

Author: Lula Dicki I  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

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.

What's a good budget for a tattoo?

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.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo?

The average tattoo prices for most customers are around $200 to $300 with a $100 minimum. To get up to 6 hours' worth of tattoos in one day, expect a tattoo price range of $1000 and more. Your tattoo cost is an investment in permanent body art that you'll wear every day.

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.

How much should I 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 ...

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Tattoo | Dos and Don'ts

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.

How to calculate tattoo cost?

Most commonly, you'll find artists who charge based on the size of the tattoo, typically on a 'per square inch' basis. This method is straightforward: you multiply the price per square inch by the total size of the tattoo you're getting. You know the cost upfront. It's easy to estimate and there are no surprises.

Is $50 a good tip for a $350 tattoo?

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.

Do you tip on a $500 tattoo?

“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. 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.

Is it OK to tell tattoo artist your budget?

If the price quoted feels out of your budget, it's fine to discuss this with the artist.

Can you negotiate tattoo prices?

Negotiating or Criticizing the Tattoo Price

This one is at the top of the absolute worst tattoo shop etiquette. Don't negotiate the price. Tattoo artists will always quote you beforehand based on their time and the size of the tattoo.

Do wrist tattoos hurt?

Wrist tattoos are popular for their visibility and style, but they come with a reputation for being a bit painful. So, do wrist tattoos hurt? The short answer is yes, but how much depends on several factors.

How are tattoos usually priced?

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.

Do you tip a tattoo artist?

You want to be treated with dignity and respect, but so does your tattoo artist. Tipping is a part of that, but so is showing up on time and being ready for your appointment. In most instances, tipping is appropriate and encouraged. While you can tip less than 15%, try to avoid it.

How much is a 1 inch tattoo?

On average, the 1-square inch price is typically is around ₹1500 per square inch of Fully Tattooed Region, which means if you want a tattoo 10 inches high and 4 inches across. The calculated Area would be 40 Square inches.

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.

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 big is a 1000 dollar tattoo?

A palm-sized tattoo usually runs between $200-500, and medium to large tattoos (about 8”) usually range from $300-600. Half sleeves typically start around $1,000 and full sleeves often range from $2,000-$4,000.

Should I tip for a free tattoo touch up?

When it comes to tattoo touch-up appointments, the general rule of thumb is yes, you should tip for the extra work required. Showing appreciation for the additional effort illustrates your understanding of the artist's commitment to ensuring your tattoo looks its best.

Is a $50 tip good for a $300 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.

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