Tattooing has evolved from a counterculture symbol into a celebrated art form. As body art becomes more mainstream, many aspiring artists are considering tattooing not just as a creative pursuit, but as a serious career. But what does the paycheck actually look like? How much do tattoo artists really make, and what factors affect their income?
Let’s take a deep dive into tattoo salaries—what you can expect, how the pay scales with experience, and what it takes to turn your passion for ink into a sustainable livelihood.
The Basics: What Is a Tattoo Artist’s Salary?
The short answer: it varies—a lot.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), tattoo artists fall under the broader category of “craft and fine artists,” with an average annual income of around $50,000. However, tattooing is a highly niche field with a unique compensation model. Unlike traditional salaried positions, tattoo artists often earn income through a commission or booth rental system.
Most tattoo artists either:
- Split a percentage of each tattoo’s cost with the shop owner (commonly 40%-60%)
- Rent a booth for a flat fee and keep the rest
This means income fluctuates based on location, clientele, reputation, and work ethic.
Entry-Level: What Do Beginner Tattoo Artists Make?
New tattoo artists, especially apprentices, generally start at the bottom of the pay scale. In many cases, they earn little to nothing during their apprenticeship, which can last from 1 to 3 years. During this time, they’re learning the craft, developing a portfolio, and building confidence in their skills.
Once a new artist starts taking on clients, they might earn between $15,000 to $30,000 per year. Their earnings are limited not just by skill level but by how many clients they can attract, how many tattoos they can complete, and how much they’re charging.
Mid-Level Artists: The Growth Stage
After a few years of experience, many tattoo shops start to see a steady stream of work. They’ve built a solid portfolio, gained some word-of-mouth referrals, and may even have a small social media following. This is when earnings start to increase.
At this stage, artists can make between $40,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on where they work. Artists in big cities or trendy neighborhoods usually earn more due to higher demand and pricing.
Some of the factors that can boost a mid-level artist’s income include:
- Specialization in a specific tattoo style (e.g., realism, neo-traditional, blackwork)
- Working at a high-end or well-known shop
- Client retention and referrals
- Strong client communication (yes, being personable helps with tips and loyalty!)
Top-Level Tattoo Artists: Six Figures and Beyond
The top earners in the tattoo industry are usually either:
- Renowned artists with long waiting lists, or
- Shop owners who not only tattoo but also profit from their business operations
High-end tattoo artists often charge $150 to $300+ per hour, with some celebrity artists commanding even more. If they’re working 5 days a week and doing multiple tattoos per day, six figures are absolutely within reach.
But it’s not just about charging more—it’s about consistent demand. These artists have worked for years (sometimes decades) to build their reputation, refine their style, and attract a loyal customer base.
Location, Location, Location
Where you tattoo plays a huge role in how much you make.
For example:
- Los Angeles, New York, and Miami have thriving tattoo scenes and a high ceiling for earnings—but also more competition and higher living costs.
- Smaller towns might have less demand, but less overhead.
- Tourist-heavy areas can be gold mines for walk-ins, especially if the shop is well-placed.
In general, tattoo artists in major urban areas tend to earn more simply because they can charge higher rates.
Commission vs Booth Rent: Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the two most common pay structures:
Commission Split
- You don’t pay anything upfront.
- The shop takes 30-60% of what you earn.
- Great for newer artists or those without a steady client base.
- The shop often handles supplies, advertising, and walk-ins.
Booth Rental
- You pay a weekly or monthly fee to rent your spot (can range from $400 to $1500/month).
- You keep 100% of what you make.
- You’re responsible for your own clients, taxes, and supplies.
- Better for experienced artists with a consistent income.
Choosing between these depends on your financial stability, experience, and goals.
Tips and Upsells
Like waitstaff or hairstylists, tattoo artists often receive tips—and these can add up. Some clients tip 15-20%, while others may leave a generous amount for a job exceptionally well done. For a $300 tattoo, that’s another $60 in your pocket.
In addition, some artists sell merch, prints, or aftercare products as a secondary income stream. Selling art online or taking on freelance design gigs (logos, album covers, etc.) is common, especially for artists with strong illustration skills.
Self-Employed vs Employed Tattoo Artists
Most tattoo artists are independent contractors, meaning they’re not salaried employees. This gives freedom but also means they’re responsible for:
- Paying their own taxes
- Health insurance
- Retirement savings
- Scheduling time off (no paid vacation or sick days)
Some newer shops are starting to offer employment-style setups, with benefits and steady pay, but these are still rare. For the most part, being a tattoo artist means running your own business.
How to Increase Your Tattoo Salary
Want to maximize your income as a tattoo artist? Here are a few strategies:
- Develop a Signature Style: The more unique your work, the more people will seek you out.
- Use Social Media Wisely: Instagram, TikTok, and even YouTube can be powerful tools to showcase your portfolio and build a following.
- Leverage the newest technology: Speed up and optimize your process by using free AI tattoo generators, stencil printers, wireless machines, and bioinks.
- Invest in Continued Learning: Attend conventions, take seminars, and learn new techniques.
- Improve Client Communication: Being friendly, responsive, and professional leads to better reviews, referrals, and repeat business.
- Diversify Your Revenue: Sell prints, take on illustration gigs, or even create a Patreon if you have an audience.
Final Thoughts
Tattooing isn’t just a career—it’s a lifestyle. It demands a blend of artistic talent, business savvy, people skills, and hustle. While it’s not a get-rich-quick path, many artists find deep satisfaction in their work—and yes, they can make a good living from it.
Whether you’re an apprentice just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to scale up, understanding the ins and outs of tattoo salaries helps you make informed decisions about your career. At the end of the day, your earning potential is in your hands—just like your machine.
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