How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make? Understanding Your Earning Potential
How much do tattoo artists make?
Depends—are we talking about the guy charging $50 for a full sleeve in his kitchen, or the one banking $1,500 for a three-hour session while sipping cold brew from a golden skull? The range swings from “I need a roommate” to “I just bought my second Harley”—but most new artists land closer to the first.
Let’s get one thing straight: if someone told you tattooing was an instant money machine, they either lied to you or don’t tattoo for a living. A traditional apprenticeship won’t teach you how to stack your money—it’ll teach you how to wipe down chairs, answer phones, and nod while an old-school artist tells you, “Back in my day, we didn’t have Instagram…”
But here’s the part they don’t tell you—tattooing CAN make you rich. Not with luck. Not with grinding. With strategy. And we’re about to lay it all out.
Average Tattoo Artist Salary
So, how much do tattoo artists make?
Let’s put it this way—some tattooers are living paycheck to paycheck, hoping their landlord likes ink enough to barter rent, while others are clearing $250K+ a year and turning away clients left and right. The gap is insane.
Google might tell you the tattoo artist salary sits at around $63,500 a year, but real-world numbers laugh in the face of that estimate. A first-year artist scraping by on $25K and a celebrity tattooer making over $500K a year both fall under this “average.” That’s like saying both a rundown tattoo shop in the middle of nowhere and Colorado’s Certified Tattoo Studios exist in the same category.
There’s no “fixed” income in this industry—just hustle, strategy, and the fine art of knowing your worth (and getting others to pay it).
But let’s break it down in numbers before we get into the why.
How Much Tattoo Artists Actually Make (Bracket by Bracket)
New to the game? Expect to struggle financially—at least for a while. Those who know how to play the business side of tattooing thrive.
Beginner Tattoo Artists are making anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000 per year. If you're working under a shop owner who takes a 50% cut, then congratulations—you just did all the work for half the money. If your station’s in a city where tattoo demand is high, you might see the higher end of that spectrum, but let’s be honest: most first-year tattooers are getting by on ramen and adrenaline.
Mid-Level Artists who’ve built some consistency in their clientele can expect to hit $50,000 to $80,000 a year. This is where things start looking stable. You’ve got regulars, your tattoo artist hourly rate goes up, and you’re not relying on walk-ins to pay your bills. Still, $50K in this industry is the equivalent of treading water—comfortable, but you’re not exactly buying a yacht.
Experienced Artists in their prime are bringing in $100,000+ per year. This is when tattooing stops being just a job and starts looking like a lucrative career. Your name has weight, you’re booked months in advance, and your shop percentage (or independent earnings) starts working in your favor.
Celebrity Tattoo Artists are a different league. These are the ones charging $300 to $1,500 per hour, working on A-list clients, or running their own studios. At this level, earnings can hit $200,000 to $500,000 per year, sometimes more. The highest-paid tattoo artists don’t even have open bookings; they choose who they tattoo.
Tattoo Artist Hourly Rate
Let’s be real—no one gets paid yearly in tattooing. What matters is your rate per hour and how often you’re booked.
First-year artists: $80 to $150 per hour (before shop cuts).
Mid-tier tattooers: $150 to $250 per hour.
Pros: $300+ per hour, easy.
Celebrity tattooers: $1,000+ per hour, and you’re lucky if they even say yes.
Hourly rates sound impressive until you realize not every hour of your workday is spent tattooing. Consultation time, artwork prep, client no-shows—all cut into those earning hours. If you’re working 20 hours of actual tattoo time per week, your weekly earnings range from $1,600 to $10,000.
Most tattooers make (or break) their bank not just by charging high hourly rates but by making sure every single working hour is paid and maximized.
Factors That Affect Tattoo Artist Income
Not every tattooer pulling ink is pulling money. The difference between a struggling artist and a thriving one isn’t just talent—it’s business acumen, branding, and knowing where the money actually is.
Location
A tattoo artist in Los Angeles, London, or New York City will always charge more than someone in small-town Nebraska. It’s not just about demand—it’s about what people in your area expect to pay. A $1,000 sleeve in Brooklyn might be a $400 sleeve in a smaller town.
That’s why some artists move to bigger markets or guest spot in high-paying cities to boost their income. The logic is… if you can make twice the money for the same amount of work, why wouldn’t you?
Experience and Skill Level: Talent Pays (But Not Right Away)
The average income of a tattoo artist isn’t just dictated by how long you’ve been tattooing, but by how good you are at charging what you’re worth.
Clients will pay premium rates for expertise. If you’re the best in your style—whether it’s micro-realism, biomechanical, or fine-line tattoos—you can set your price. But if your work is still inconsistent, expect lower rates and more “Can you do this for $50?” clients.
Client Base & Reputation: People Pay for Who Tattoos Them, Not Just the Tattoo
There’s a reason why some tattooers double their rates overnight—they built a brand. A loyal client base means higher prices, booked schedules, and zero need to fight for customers.
Tattooing isn’t a sell-once-and-move-on type of business. Loyal clients bring referrals. Referrals bring bigger clientele. More demand = higher prices. Artists with waitlists spanning months don’t get there by accident.
Tattoo Shop vs. Independent Work: Know Where Your Money’s Going
Tattoo shops take a cut—and that cut is usually 40-60% of your earnings. You might think working in a shop is the only way, but many tattooers break away and work solo once they have a strong client base.
That being said, not all shops are bad deals—some provide steady walk-in traffic, high-end clientele, and marketing power that solo artists don’t get. The trick? Know when to stay and when to go.
Specialization: Generalists Get Paid… Specialists Get Paid More
If your portfolio is “I do everything”, congratulations—you’ve just made yourself completely replaceable. The artists making $200K+ a year are known for something.
Micro-realism? High-dollar market.
Hyper-detailed black & grey? Worth every penny.
Minimalist fine-line tattoos? Huge demand, big bank.
The moment you become “the go-to artist” for a particular niche, your tattoo artist salary skyrockets
How Tattoo Artists Make Money
Tattooing isn’t just about putting ink in skin—it’s a business. And like any business, there are artists stacking six figures and others scraping by, hoping the shop fridge still has free beer. The highest-paid tattoo artists aren’t just good with a machine—they understand money.
If your tattoo artist salary is disappointing, it’s because you’re relying only on tattooing. That’s a rookie mistake. The real earners diversify their income streams so their bank account grows even when their machine is off.
Tattooing Services: Per-Hour vs. Per-Piece Pricing
Most artists make the bulk of their income from tattooing. But whether they charge per hour or per piece can make a massive difference.
A tattoo artist hourly rate ranges from $80 to $500+, depending on experience, style, and demand. If you’re a beginner taking $80/hour and working 20 hours per week, that’s $1,600 per week, or $76,800 a year—before expenses and shop cuts. If you’re charging $300/hour at the same pace? That’s $288,000 per year.
Some artists ditch the hourly model and charge per piece, often pricing tattoos based on complexity, body placement, and demand. A black-and-grey sleeve from a well-known artist can start at $2,500, and many clients are willing to pay a premium for artists they trust.
Tips from Clients: The Unspoken Boost to Your Paycheck
Some clients tip 10-20% of the tattoo price—others throw down nothing. In high-end studios, a $1,500 piece can easily add a $300 tip, while in smaller towns, clients might tip just enough for a cheap beer. Some of the highest-paid tattoo artists don’t just earn big—they attract clients who respect the craft enough to tip big.
Selling Custom Artwork and Flash Designs
Want to make money without even tattooing? Sell your flash sheets, digital artwork, and tattoo designs. Clients love pre-made designs, and some collectors buy tattoo art without ever getting it inked.
This is where the top-rated tattoo school often emphasizes business skills—because smart tattooers turn their designs into extra cash. Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and personal websites make it easy to sell flash and commission artwork.
Teaching and Offering Tattoo Training
If you’ve built credibility, people will pay to learn from you. Some experienced tattooers charge $500-$5,000 per student for mentorship programs, tattoo training, or specialized workshops.
Not all tattoo artists want to teach, but those who do? They pull in extra cash without having to book more sessions. This is why some of the highest-paid tattoo artists have multiple revenue streams—it’s less about working harder and more about working smarter.
How to Get a Tattoo License
Before you make money tattooing, you need to be legit—as in, licensed. You can be the next big-name tattooer, but if you’re working without a license, it won’t matter when your state slaps you with fines, bans, or worse, legal trouble.
Do You Need a License to Tattoo?
Yes, unless you live in one of the rare exceptions. Every state has different regulations, but most require:
Tattoo training under a licensed artist (usually through an apprenticeship)
Completion of health & safety certifications
A specific number of supervised hours tattooing
Registration with local health departments
Some states require proof of tattooing hours, while others focus on bloodborne pathogen training and health regulations.
State-Specific Licensing Requirements
Tattoo licensing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In California, Florida, and New York, licensing laws are strict, requiring health certifications and yearly renewals. In other states, requirements are looser, but that doesn’t mean skipping formal tattoo training is a good idea.
The highest-paid tattoo artists didn’t just get licensed and start tattooing—they invested in training, built their reputation, and learned the business side of tattooing.
Health and Safety Certifications: The Unsexy but Essential Part of Tattooing
No one gets excited about bloodborne pathogen training, but here’s the truth: you’re working with open wounds and ink—health safety is non-negotiable.
Without proper health certifications, no licensed shop will let you work. And without a shop, good luck building a legit career.
Want to become a tattoo artist legally and successfully? Get your certifications, license, and training right from the start.
Additional Income Opportunities for Tattoo Artists
If you’re relying on just tattooing to make money, you’re leaving a ridiculous amount of cash on the table. The top earners in this industry diversify their income.
Selling Branded Merchandise
T-shirts, hats, stickers, art prints—clients love to support tattoo artists beyond just booking a session. A loyal client who’s already spending $500 on a tattoo won’t blink at dropping another $30-$50 on a T-shirt or print.
The biggest names in tattooing sell merch just as much as they tattoo.
Teaching Tattooing Techniques Online
Tattoo artists are making serious money on YouTube, Patreon, and paid courses. Some charge $10/month for exclusive tattoo tutorials—others sell full courses for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The best part is, once a course is made, it keeps making money. Some of the highest-paid tattoo artists teach as much as they tattoo—because passive income is the ultimate flex.
Growing a Social Media Presence and Monetizing Content
Do you think social media is just for showing off tattoos? Nah. Artists with huge followings can monetize their content through sponsorships, partnerships, and premium content.
A tattoo artist with 100K+ Instagram followers can charge brands for shoutouts, collaborations, and exclusive content. You don’t need a massive audience—just an engaged one.
Guest Spots & Traveling for Conventions
Want to boost your earnings instantly? Tattoo in high-end studios or work conventions. Guest spots allow artists to tap into bigger markets where clients pay top dollar for tattoo work.
Some artists charge 2-3x more at conventions than in their home studio. If you can travel, you can make more money tattooing in premium locations.
Your Tattoo Income is in Your Hands
There’s no “fixed” income for tattoo artists. The average income of a tattoo artist varies wildly—because tattooing isn’t just about skill. It’s about strategy.
If you’re stuck at $40K a year, ask yourself:
Are you charging what you’re worth?
Are you branding yourself properly?
Are you building income streams beyond just tattooing?
The tattoo artists making six figures and beyond aren’t just good artists—they’re smart business people. They take tattoo training seriously, build their personal brand, and understand how to make money beyond just the machine.
So, if you want more than just “average” earnings, the path is clear: train like a pro, build your reputation, and make smarter financial moves.
Want to fast-track your tattoo career? Get trained by professionals who’ve already cracked the code. Because in this industry, talent alone doesn’t pay the bills—strategy does.
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It depends on skill, branding, and business strategy. Some artists struggle to make $25K a year, while others clear $250K+ by charging premium rates, specializing, and diversifying income streams. The highest-paid tattoo artists understand that talent alone isn’t enough—marketing, client demand, and smart pricing dictate earnings. If done right, tattooing can be one of the most profitable creative careers out there.
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New tattoo artists typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on location, shop percentage, and workload. Many start with lower rates while building a portfolio and client base, with earnings increasing as demand grows. Apprentices often make little to nothing, but once licensed, an artist’s income can rise significantly with experience, specialization, and strategic business moves.
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Yes—tattooing is a highly viable career with strong earning potential. However, success isn’t automatic. Unlike traditional jobs, there’s no set salary, benefits, or guaranteed income. Artists who invest in tattoo training, business skills, and branding can turn tattooing into a high-income, long-term profession. Many top tattooers expand their careers through merch, teaching, and conventions, proving that tattooing is more than just a job—it’s an evolving business.
READ MORE…
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