Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? (2024)

Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? (1)

Is the Tattoo Industry Growing?

According to the latest tattoo industry news and market analysis, the tattoo industry is still going strong in the US, with no signs of slowing down. Body ink has become much more mainstream thanks to celebrity trends and the overall higher visibility of tattoos in society. Tattoos and body piercing businesses have relatively low start-up costs, so tattoo business industry experts believe that tattooing is here to stay for the time being.

In addition, millennials are the age group that is most likely to have tattoos, so as they are entering the workforce, attitudes are shifting to become even more favorable toward tattoos in general. Here’s a snapshot of tattoo industry trends that should give you some more insight.

Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? (2)

Tattoo Industry Revenue

MarketResearch notes that tattoo industry revenue has nearly doubled since 2007. It’s now a $3 billion-per-year industry. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that when you see the words “tattoo industry,” it really means the following: tattoo studios, body piercings which are an added service of tattoo studios, and tattoo removal which is typically done by a MediSpa or dermatologist. Tattooing accounts for $1.3 billion per year, body piercing generates nearly $1 billion and tattoo removal accounts for the remainder of revenue.

Tattoo Industry Statistics

The tattoo industry has been increasing by nearly 10 percent every year for more than a decade now. Industry analysts believe that this trend will continue well into the 2020s. On the other side of that coin, according to the latest tattoo removal statistics, the tattoo removal industry is now outpacing the growth of tattoo studios. Tattoo removal services are expected to increase by 18 percent annually for the next few years.

Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? (3)

Startup Cost for a Tattoo Business

Opening a tattoo and body piercing shop has a nationwide average of around $27,000. This can vary depending on state and local licensing, regulatory fees, facility rental and other factors. Once a tattoo artist has an established clientele and builds a good reputation, they can earn upwards of $50,000 per year. With the recent surge in tattoo industry growth, it’s not unusual for a larger tattoo studio to generate more than half a million dollars in revenue per year, if they have several artists renting space. Profit margins for tattoo studios are around 55 percent, which is extremely good. (Restaurants tend to have a 7 to 10 percent profit margin, by way of comparison.)

Regulatory Issues and Tattoo Studios

Tattoo studios used to have a more negative reputation. Just a couple of decades ago, it wasn’t unusual to find the one tattoo parlor in a town located down by the railroad tracks, next to a dive bar. Today, with the increased popularity of custom tattoos, you’re more likely to find a tattoo studio on Main Street next to your favorite coffee shop, as city officials have become more amenable to the business. That being said, local regulations surrounding the industry can vary widely from one city to the next.

Tattoo Statistics

  • $3 billion annual industry
  • 10 percent project annual growth rate for tattoo studio
  • Low start-up costs and above average profit margins

Whether you plan to run a tattoo and body piercing studio, or if you want to offer tattoo removal services in your MediSpa, liability insurance needs to be a part of your business plan. Marine Agency has been insuring tattoo and body piercing studios since 1990 and we’re standing by to prepare a quote for you. Give us a call today at 800-763-4775 to get the process started!

Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? (2024)

FAQs

Tattoo Industry Statistics: Is the Tattoo Industry Growing? ›

The increasing popularity of tattoos has led to a boom in two industries—those who give them and those who remove them: The global tattoo market was valued at $1.89 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow from $2 billion this year to $3.92 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Is tattooing a growing industry? ›

According to IBIS World analysts, the $1.4 billion tattoo artist industry is expected to increase its market size by 23.2% in 2021—a faster growth rate than that of the consumer goods and services sector as a whole.

Are tattoos increasing or decreasing? ›

As of 2022, the percentage of young adults who said they have a tattoo climbed from 21% in 2019 to 40%, per data collected by YPulse.

Is the booming popularity of tattoos? ›

Amid this shift, a large majority of U.S. adults say society has become more accepting of people with tattoos in recent decades, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. And 32% of adults have a tattoo themselves, including 22% who have more than one.

What is the market trend in the tattoo industry? ›

Tattoo Market Short Description: According to the latest research, the global Tattoo market size was valued at USD 14701.56 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.51% during the forecast period, reaching USD 23995.97 million by 2028. A tattoo is a permanent kind of body art.

Is tattooing a high demand? ›

The tattoo industry has seen various trends and challenges recently. The global tattoo market size was valued at USD 1.89 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.87% during the forecast period up to 20301.

Is the tattoo industry saturated? ›

How concentrated is the Tattoo Artists market in the United States? Market share concentration is low for the Tattoo Artists industry in the US, with the top four companies generating 32% of market revenue in United States in 2023. The level of competition is low overall, but is highest among smaller industry players.

Are tattoos going out of style in 2024? ›

Will tattoos still be everywhere in 2024? Yes, tattoos will still be popular. In fact, tattoos have become more accepted in society over the past few decades, and many people now view tattoos as a form of self-expression.

Are tattoos career limiting? ›

When it comes to searching for a job, many people think tattoos are now widely accepted. There's no way a company wouldn't hire you just because you have a tattoo! While tattoos are certainly more commonplace than ever before, there are still a few careers with tight restrictions when it comes to tattoos.

Are Gen Z getting tattoos? ›

The increasing prevalence of tattoos within Generation Z is not just a fleeting trend but a cultural shift that signals a new era of personal expression and identity. As of 2021, 23% of Gen Z individuals had at least one tattoo, and among these, 19% adorned themselves with multiple tattoos.

Are tattoos the future? ›

Yes, tattoo artists are expected to be in demand in the future due to the growing popularity of tattoos and the increasing acceptance of body art in mainstream culture.

Are tattoos becoming mainstream? ›

In recent years, tattoo culture has undergone a significant transformation. What was once considered a mark of rebellion and counterculture has now become a mainstream phenomenon. Tattoos are no longer limited to a specific subculture but have instead permeated all age groups and social classes.

Why are tattoos suddenly so popular? ›

Firstly, tattoos have become more socially acceptable. As more and more people have tattoos, they are no longer seen as being associated exclusively with gangs, bikers, or other fringe groups. Tattoos are now seen as a form of art, and many people appreciate the intricate designs and personal meanings behind them.

Is the tattoo fad over? ›

If anything, young people seem more likely than ever to look for a tattoo that links them to a life event and expresses their individuality. The fact that 40-year-olds are still getting their first tattoos, and tattoo popularity is driven by younger demographics, seems to say that they aren't going anywhere.

Is the tattoo business growing? ›

The increasing popularity of tattoos has led to a boom in two industries—those who give them and those who remove them: The global tattoo market was valued at $1.89 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow from $2 billion this year to $3.92 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Is tattoo technology improving? ›

The latest advancements in tattoo technology have undoubtedly transformed the tattooing experience, making it more precise, efficient and comfortable for both artists and clients.

What is the future of tattooing? ›

3D printing technology is revolutionizing the tattoo industry by allowing artists to create custom tattoo designs and prosthetic limbs with greater accuracy and speed. This technology is also used to create intricate tattoo machines and accessories, making tattooing more efficient and customizable.

Is tattooing a profitable business? ›

Opening a tattoo and body piercing shop has a nationwide average of around $27,000. This can vary depending on state and local licensing, regulatory fees, facility rental and other factors. Once a tattoo artist has an established clientele and builds a good reputation, they can earn upwards of $50,000 per year.

Does tattooing make good money? ›

As of Jun 14, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Tattoo Artist in California is $48.61 an hour.

Is tattooing a viable career? ›

Without a doubt, one of the best jobs for aspiring artists is tattooing. Currently, there are around 30,000 tattoo artists in the US, and most of them will tell you they have no intention of looking back!

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