Setting adequate tattoo prices is like Goldilocks choosing how to take her porridge. Too high, and customers can’t afford your art. Too low, and they might assume you work at a lower standard. 

The goal is to set tattoo prices that are just right. The amount you charge should reflect the value of your skills and the quality of your work, all while earning you enough income to pay for everything from supplies to your morning cup of coffee. Plus, pricing should be fair, encouraging clients to rebook and recommend your services to others. 

Here’s how to price a tattoo, taking into account everything from your skill level to your location and supply costs.   

6 Factors That Affect Tattoo Pricing  

Whether your specialty is tiny tats or full sleeves, understanding how to set prices for your work keeps you from selling yourself short. Here are six key factors to know: 

1. Reputation and Experience 

Your level of experience plays a big role in your rates. If you're a seasoned pro with years of background, excellent skills, and a killer reputation, it's fair to charge a premium. But if you’re just starting out, it makes more sense to charge lower rates while you polish your skills and build a career. 

As you gain a stronger reputation (and collect stellar reviews), gradually increase your prices. Just be careful not to catch clients off guard. Send out notices well in advance, and avoid upping your costs more than once or twice a year. Be confident in your pricing while respecting clients’ wallets.

2. Equipment and Supplies 

High-quality tattooing equipment is expensive. While using top-notch materials keeps your clients safe and your artwork stunning, you have to set rates that reflect those costs. Cutting corners on supplies to charge less can result in subpar tattoos and unhappy clients – so it’s worth it to buy the right stuff and set your prices accordingly. 

3. Tattoo Size and Time Requirements

When considering how much to charge for tattoo design, size matters. So does the time it takes to get the job done. Charge more for large tattoos, which require more time, effort, and materials than smaller designs. 

Most artists charge a flat rate for smaller tattoos and an hourly rate for any that take longer than an hour or two. For example, you might charge an $80 minimum for small tattoos and an hourly rate of $100 beyond that. 

It’s important to note that these prices aren’t standard. You’re well within your right to charge more for extensive or highly detailed work. You can also set a package rate if a custom design, like a full-sleeve tattoo, requires multiple sessions to complete. For example, it could cost $3,000 for five sessions. 

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4. Design Complexity and Placement 

Factor in the design's intricacy and placement. Raise your rates for complex designs with detailed line and color work because these take more time and skill. You can also charge more to tattoo challenging body parts, like the spine, ribs, or face, to compensate for the extra precision required to execute these tattoos. 

5. Customization

Custom designs are more expensive than flash. That’s because creating custom body art requires considerably more time and effort than tattooing a flash piece, which is already ready to go. Most flash pieces are small and only have one or two colors, so a set price of $60 or $80 makes sense – compared to colorful and detailed designs fetching $300 or more. 

6. Tattoo Parlor Location and Overhead Expenses 

If you live in a large, busy city with a high cost of living, chances are you pay more than average for studio rent and utilities like electricity and water. Don’t hesitate to charge more for your artwork to cover those costs. You don’t want to end up pinching pennies when it’s time to pay the bills. Comparable artists in the area might have higher prices as well, so check what they’re charging and adjust pricing accordingly. Clients will understand.

For example, if you rent a tattoo studio space for $1,500 monthly, you might charge $100 per hour of tattooing. If your rent costs $3,000 monthly, you might charge $200 per hour to make up the difference. You should also consider overhead expenses like studio maintenance and internet. 

Tattoo Pricing as a New Studio or Artist 

Setting competitive rates as a new tattoo artist can be tricky. You want to attract potential clients and encourage them to come back without underselling yourself. Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you don’t have talent to share. 

So, how much should you really charge for tattoos? Here are a few ideas for pricing as your skills develop: 

Tattoo for Free 

When you’re completely new to the scene, offer free tattoos. This is an excellent way to get more practice on human skin and build a body of work before starting an apprenticeship. Clients who don't have to pay are much more likely to book appointments with an inexperienced artist because there’s less to lose. You can also ask around and find friends or fellow artists who don’t mind offering their bare skin to help you practice.

Just remember to always maintain the same standard of care for free tattoos, including safety waivers and supplies. 

Charge for Cost of Supplies Only 

Sometimes, tattooing for free simply isn't an option, whether you’re living somewhere expensive or don’t have the funds to cover supplies yourself. In that case, offer cheap tattoos. Charge clients just enough to pay for the ink, cartridges, and disposables like ink caps, paper towels, and gloves. If you’re running a studio, include rent and utilities in the charges as well. 

This keeps costs low for your clients, and you don't lose out on the materials or rent money. When you’ve built a portfolio that proves your talent, you can raise your rates.

Charge Apprentice Rates 

If you’re working as an apprentice tattooer, your shop likely already has apprentice rates for you to charge. How much tattoos cost when you’re an apprentice helps attract clients who don’t mind someone with less expertise. Typically, apprentices charge half of what experienced artists charge. For example, if a tattoo artist with 10 years of experience charges $150 per hour, an apprentice at the same shop charges $75 per hour. 

You can charge per hour or per piece, depending on the design’s complexity and your efficiency. The average tattoo cost per hour ranges anywhere from $80 (beginners) to $500 (famous artists).

Optimize Your Tattoo Business With GlossGenius 

Setting the right prices is only one step to starting your career as a tattoo artist. You also have to manage your shop, create a stylish website, and schedule appointments – all of which GlossGenius can do for you. Explore all of its offerings and discover how GlossGenius can transform your business.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

Sign up for a free 14-day trial with GlossGenius. Design incredible tattoos that keep your clients coming back, and we’ll handle the rest. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make? 

According to Indeed, professional tattoo artists in the United States earn annual salaries ranging from $31,234 to over $110,931. These numbers vary according to location, skill level, and studio popularity. Tattoo artists with advanced skill levels in populated areas usually earn the most.

In some cases, tattoo artists working at shops split their income 60/40 – the artist keeps 60% of what they make and gives the other 40% to the studio. Tattooers working at shops with this split might make less than artists who keep 100% of their income, but they benefit from the shop’s community. If you work somewhere that asks for a percentage of your income, you can charge higher rates to make up for it. 

What Are Some Tips for Communicating Pricing to Clients?

Communicate your pricing structure transparently, either before or during consultation, so clients understand what they're paying for. A visual pricing guide like a chart clarifies how different tattoo sizes, styles, and designs influence the final product's cost. Posting your prices on your website also lets potential clients find your rates easily. 

If you end up changing your service prices, let clients know as soon as possible to avoid confusion. 

How Much Is a Small Tattoo? 

GlossGenius businesses report charging an average of $111 for small tattoos. Most shops have a minimum of $60–$100, even if the session only takes 10 minutes.

Is It Appropriate to Negotiate Tattoo Prices? 

Stick to your published tattoo rates instead of negotiating prices with clients. Consistency in pricing reflects the high quality of your work, upholds the value of your art, and encourages respect. While there's nothing wrong with being flexible when it comes to large projects or regular clients, frequently negotiating can undermine your business.