Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? (2024)

Tattoo pricing can vary based on size, time spent tattooing, and other factors. Use this as a guide when considering your budget.

Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? (1)

It can be easy to forget that tattoos are costly when you’re daydreaming about your next session. Or, if you’re a tattoo newbie, you’re probably asking yourself, how much do tattoos cost, really? But tattoo pricing is highly variable depending on a lot of factors. The only true way to know how much your tattoo will cost is to communicate with your chosen artist. Nevertheless, we’re here to help you understand when it comes to the price of your tattoo.

Remember, each aspect of the design will ultimately affect the final price, so it’s important to consider your budget while proposing ideas for your custom piece. If you approach your desired artist with clear ideas in mind, they’ll be able to provide a quote for the tattoo and a draft of the potential design.

HOW ARE TATTOOS PRICED?

HOURLY RATE vs. PIECE RATE

Professional tattoo artists have different methods for determining price. Some charge a set rate per hour, and their hourly rate typically depends upon a number of factors, such as where they work and how in-demand their services are. Artists charge anywhere between $50-$400 per hour, with most somewhere between $100-250 per hour.

Some charge a flat rate per piece. In this case, your artist will usually provide a cost estimate based on the size and details of your custom design. Things like color, line work, and detail can all influence the cost estimate. Some artists who specialize in lettering will even charge a per letter rate.

THE MINIMUM FEE

Ever wondered why some shops have a minimum fee per tattoo? Usually, this fee ranges from $50 to $100. That’s because even the smallest, simplest tattoos have to cost a certain amount to cover the cost of all the materials involved. It costs money for artists to set up their station and use all their supplies like inks and needles. So, a minimum cost is almost always necessary.

THE AVERAGE TATTOO PRICE IN 2022

It’s no secret that things have gotten pricier lately. And, like everything else, the cost of tattoos is affected by inflation. When the cost of living and cost of tattoo supplies increases, artists must increase their rates as well. In 2022, you can expect even the smallest, simplest tattoos to cost at least $50-100. 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.

HOW MUCH DO TATTOOS COST BY SIZE?

But size isn’t the only factor that influences a tattoo’s price (although it is a big one). For obvious reasons, the bigger a tattoo, the bigger the price tag. That’s because larger tattoos take more of the artists’ time and require more ink, needles, and other materials. Check out our pricing chart below to see average pricing per size and artist.

COMPREHENSIVE TATTOO PRICING CHART

Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? (2)

Again, you can only determine the exact price of your tattoo by getting an estimate from your chosen artist. In general, though, this chart provides an approximate range of tattoo prices you can expect to see based on artist experience, tattoo size, and the time it takes to perform that tattoo:

Tattoo Prices ChartBeginner Artist
(Apprentice ~2 years)
$50–$120 hourly
Average Artist
$50–$100 hourly
Experienced Artist
$100+ hourly
Popular Artist
$150–$400 hourly
Small Tattoos
Less than 1 hour
$50–$80$50–$100$75–$125$125+
Palm-Sized Tattoos
2–4 hours
$100–$350$150–$450$200–$500+$250+
Medium Tattoo
4–8 hours
$200-$350$300–$400$400–$600+$600+
Large Tattoo
8+ hours
Uncommon for beginning artists; varies according to shop and artist$500–$2,000$1,000–$4,000+$1,500+

TATTOO COST CONSIDERATIONS: COLOR, PLACEMENT, AND DETAIL

As you shop around for tattoo price estimates, keep in mind that any elements you want to include in your new custom tattoo will increase the final price tag. More ink, more color, more detail — each of these requires more time and patience on behalf of the artist and more money from you.

ARTIST EXPERIENCE & DEMAND

It goes without saying that experienced, highly skilled artists (usually) charge more than novices. Rookie artists often begin with lower rates — around $50–80 per hour — as they work to build their portfolio. Artists with at least a year or two under their belt will usually charge a minimum of $100 per hour, and artists who have been at it for several years often charge between $150–250.

But those prices aren’t just because of an artist’s experience. In reality, it’s skill, reputation, and demand that drive an artist’s prices. Those things often come with experience, allowing artists who have been in the game longer to charge higher rates. But there are always exceptions, especially in the age of social media. An artist who produces amazing tattoos and has built a large social media following can command top-end rates within just a few years. So even if your desired artist is relatively new, if they have a huge following and high demand, their rates will reflect that. Similarly, an artist who’s been tattooing for decades but produces low-quality work will find it hard to build the reputation and portfolio that allows them to charge higher rates.

LOCATION & DEMAND

Artists located in big cities can afford to set higher rates than small town shops. This is in large part due to a city artist’s potential for a massive customer base. It’s also not uncommon for talented artists to move to urban areas so they can attract more clients and build a portfolio more quickly. For this reason, many high-profile artists live in urban areas, driving their rates up even further.

Tattoo conventions also influence price, and artists usually charge somewhat higher rates than usual at a convention. If you’re planning to get tattooed at a convention, remember to book with the artist in advance and brush up on tattoo convention etiquette.

THE COMPLEXITY OF THE DESIGN

As you set your budget and design your tattoo, consider your tattoo priorities. As we mentioned, detailed tattoo designs come with a higher price tag. You’re paying an artist to take their time and tattoo with care, so be prepared to invest your own time and money. If you have your heart set on certain aspects of the design, you may have to compromise on other elements, like color, in order to stay within your budget. Certain styles are incredibly detailed by nature, and the price point reflects it.

You’ll also pay more for custom-designed pieces vs. a flash tattoo. Flash tattoos are designs that are pre-drawn and ready to be tattooed, and they’re almost always small to medium in size. You can find them displayed in the shop or ask to see an artist’s personal flash book. While flash tattoos are usually designs that are fairly popular with the public, you can still find creative designs you love, especially if you know you already like the artist’s typical style. If you want to be tattooed by a certain artist but can’t afford a custom piece, choosing one of their flash designs can be a budget-friendly way to sit in their chair.

LEARN MORE: 26 DIFFERENT TATTOO STYLES

COLORS

As a rule, color tattoos are more expensive than black and gray tattoos. While the cost of ink is a factor here, time and effort are the real driving factors for the higher price point. Because color tattoos are more complicated and time-consuming than black and gray, the cost of full color tattoos can add up quickly. Tattoos with complex color work like gradient takes even more time and skill…

so you can expect an even higher price.

BODY PLACEMENT

Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? (3)

Tattoo above by Christian Naccari @christian.tattoo.art

Artists must take greater care when tattooing in highly sensitive areas. Consequently, the process will move slower than it does on other parts of the body that are easier to tattoo. Bony body parts like the ribs, feet, hands and areas with a plethora of nerve endings like the face, neck, and wrists will be the most sensitive. Expect to pay more for tattoos in these locations than you would for a similar tattoo on a leg or arm.

Get ready to get tattooed

In order to get the ink you really want, communicating your budget constraints with your tattoo artist is key. Tell your artist what you can afford, and together you can create a design and a timeline that works for both of you. Having this discussion in the very beginning will help keep your expectations realistic and give you a chance to get quotes from multiple artists. While the final cost will be a major determining factor in choosing your artist and shop, remember that cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to tattoos. Make sure you’re working with a reputable shop and check out tips for choosing the right shop for other helpful advice on making your final decision. Oh and don’t forget to account for the artist’s tip as well!

For more helpful information on tattoos, check out our PainfulPleasures Infocenter and blog.

Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? (2024)

FAQs

Tattoo Pricing & Budgeting Guide: How Much do Tattoos Cost? ›

A standard-size hip or thigh tattoo (about 12 inches in length) will run you about $500 for outline only, or anywhere from $1500 to $2000 for full color.

How big is a $500 tattoo? ›

A standard-size hip or thigh tattoo (about 12 inches in length) will run you about $500 for outline only, or anywhere from $1500 to $2000 for full color.

How big is a $300 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.

How to estimate a tattoo price? ›

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.

How much should I expect to pay 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 $250 an hour a lot for a tattoo? ›

On average, tattoo artists charge $100 to $250 an hour, although in certain cases, high-profile tattoo artists charge more. Consider how in-demand your prospective artist is, based on factors such as their number of Instagram followers as well as awards given to the studio or artist, which can help determine rates.

How big is a 1 hour tattoo? ›

Tattoo Size Chart
SizeHoursBest Placement
Up to 1 inch1Toe, finger, wrist, ear
1-2 inches2-3Ankle, wrist, clavicle
2-3 inches2-5Ankle, calf, wrist, upper arm
3-4 inches4-5Lower arm, neck, chest
5 more rows
May 12, 2022

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.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo? ›

A larger or more intricate tattoo could run you a minimum of $500 for a sleeve size and as high as $4,000 for areas like the back or chest. Any kind of custom tattoo is likely going to be upwards of $1,000.

What does a 50 dollar tattoo look like? ›

$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs.

How do you set a tattoo price? ›

Factors that determine tattoo pricing
  1. Artist's experience and popularity. How good are you with the needle? ...
  2. Tattoo size. A tattoo can be considered small, medium, or large. ...
  3. Geographical location. ...
  4. Tattoo design and location.
Mar 2, 2022

What to say when a tattoo artist asks your budget? ›

Be upfront and clear about your budget

When inquiring about the cost of a tattoo, it's important to be upfront and clear about your budget. This will help the tattoo artist understand your financial limitations and guide you to designs that fit within your price range.

How do you budget for a tattoo? ›

Ask the Price

According to research presented by Gitnux, a small tattoo usually costs around $50. However, this varies depending on the tattoo parlor and the design in question. Some parlors have a minimum of $25 regardless of the tattoo you want because they'll have to use a new needle and open a bottle of ink.

Is it OK to negotiate tattoo price? ›

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.

How expensive is too expensive for a tattoo? ›

BASIC HOURLY RATES – PER YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
ARTIST LEVELYEARS OF EXPERIENCEHOURLY RATE
Beginner1-3 years$80 - $120
Established5-10 years$120 - $180
Experienced10+ Years$150 - $250
Famous Artist*Depends on artist$200- $500
Jan 29, 2022

Do you pay for each tattoo session? ›

Some tattooers charge a flat rate for the tattoo or “by the piece”, while other artists charge an hourly rate. While to some, a flat rate may seem preferable, my experience has shown otherwise.

What kind of tattoo can I get for $500? ›

AVERAGE TATTOO COSTS BY PLACEMENT
LOCATION + TYPESIZEAVERAGE COST
Rib / SideSmall-Large$500 - $700
FaceSmall-Medium$150 - $450
EyebrowSmall$400 - $600
Eyeliner + CosmeticSmall$80 - $1,000+
26 more rows
Jan 29, 2022

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.

How much is 1 sq 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.

What is a good tip for a $600 tattoo? ›

Tattoo Tip Cheat Sheet: How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist
Tattoo Cost15% Tip: “Okay”30% Tip: “Amazing!”
$400$60$120
$500$75$150
$600$90$180
$700$105$210
15 more rows

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