photo of a tattoo artist working on a client, showcasing the professional environment

How much do tattoo artists make? Well, that depends—are you asking about the guy offering $50 sleeves out of his kitchen or the pro sipping iced matcha while charging $1,500 for a three-hour session? The income of tattoo artist swings wildly—from "can’t afford rent" to "casually building a motorcycle collection."

Let’s get one thing straight: if someone told you tattooing was an instant money machine, they either lied to you or didn't tattoo for a living. A traditional tattoo 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 a year?

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 average 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."

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).

Tattoo Artist Salary by Experience

Beginner tattoo artist salary: $25,000 to $40,000/year. Most of this goes to rent, supplies, and shop cuts. This is the ramen-and-red-bull phase.

Mid-level artists: $50,000 to $80,000/year. You’re building consistency, charging more, and finally off the walk-in grind.

Experienced artists: $100,000+/year. Booked out months in advance, strong brand, and clients who trust your work.

Celebrity tattoo artist: $200,000 to $500,000+/year. Think: private studios, elite clientele, and being flown out for single sessions.

The income of tattoo artist isn't fixed—it’s as flexible as your ability to market, connect, and deliver stellar work.

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make Per Hour?

Let’s talk hourly hustle, because tattoo artist pay is often measured in ink-covered hours, not just salary.

First-year artists: $80 to $150/hour (before shop cut)
Mid-tier: $150 to $250/hour
Experienced: $300+/hour
Celebrities: $1,000+/hour (and selective about who they ink)

Still, not all your hours are tattooing. Prep, consultation, cancellations—they cut into that pay. Maximize booked time = maximize income.

What Impacts the Income of Tattoo Artist?

Location: Big cities = bigger wallets. A $1,000 sleeve in LA might be $400 in a small town.
Experience: Talent grows with time. So do rates.
Client Base: Loyal clients bring referrals. Referrals bring high-paying projects.
Studio vs. Independent Work: Shop cuts (40-60%) hurt, but shops offer walk-in traffic and marketing. Independent artists keep more but hustle harder.
Specialization: Generalists survive. Specialists THRIVE. Niches like micro-realism or fine-line work pay top dollar.

How Tattoo Artists Make Money Beyond the Needle

The most successful artists diversify. Here’s how they boost the income of a tattoo artist far beyond just tattooing:

1. Tattooing Services

Hourly vs. per-piece pricing. A complex sleeve could net $2,500+.

2. Tips

Some clients tip 20%+. On a $1,500 tattoo, that’s a $300 bonus.

3. Selling Flash Designs

Artists make bank on platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and their websites by selling digital and custom artwork.

4. Teaching & Tattoo Training

Charge $500 to $5,000 per student for courses or 1-on-1 mentoring. This builds authority and income.

5. Branded Merchandise

T-shirts, stickers, prints—fans love repping their favorite artist’s style.

6. Social Media Monetization

With enough followers, artists earn from shoutouts, sponsorships, and premium content.

7. Guest Spots & Conventions

Tattooing at high-end studios or conventions can double or triple your usual rate.

How to Become a Tattoo Artist (Legally)

Yes, you need a license. Most states require:

An apprenticeship with a licensed artist

Health & safety certifications
Supervised tattooing hours
Registration with local health departments

Each state differs. California, Florida, and New York have strict licensing. Others are more relaxed but don’t skip training.

Health and safety training is critical. No license = no legit shop job.

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make Per Month & Per Year?

Let’s do quick math:

Beginner: $2,000 to $3,300/month = $25K to $40K/year
Mid-level: $4,000 to $6,600/month = $50K to $80K/year
Experienced: $8,000+/month = $100K+/year
Celebrity: $16,000 to $41,000/month = $200K to $500K+/year

Your Tattoo Income is in Your Hands

Want more than the average income of tattoo artist? Start thinking like an entrepreneur. Because talent alone won’t pay the bills—strategy will.

How good you are
How smart you brand yourself
How well you run your business

Want more than the average income of a tattoo artist? Start thinking like an entrepreneur. Because talent alone won’t pay the bills—strategy will.

Ready to Boost Your Tattoo Income?

Whether you're just starting or want to level up your skills, the right training makes all the difference. Join our professional tattoo courses and learn from top industry artists. From technique to branding, we teach you how to tattoo and how to thrive.

Join Tattoo Courses

Yes—especially experienced artists in major cities. The tattoo artist pay can easily reach six figures with the right skills and clientele.
Tattoo artists typically make between $50 to $200 per hour, depending on their reputation, experience, and the complexity of the work. Apprentices may earn less until they build a client base.
Yes, tattooing is a legitimate and rewarding career. Professional tattoo artists often build long-term careers by developing their artistic skills, building a loyal client base, and sometimes opening their own studios. It offers creative freedom, flexible hours, and the potential for high income with experience.
Tattoo artists make between $25,000 and $500,000+ per year, depending on experience, location, and clientele. Beginners earn around $25K, while top artists can exceed $500K annually.

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make?