The “starving artist” is a common narrative – tiny apartments, meager meals, and no sleep. But in the world of tattooing, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, you can earn a solid living as a tattoo artist. While wages vary depending on factors like location and skill level, the industry is thriving. And so will you.  Here are all the need-to-know details about how much tattoo artists make to help you find your way to success. 

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The State of the Tattoo Industry

The tattoo industry is booming. In 2023, its global market value was over $2 billion, and it’s projected to hit nearly $5 billion by 2032, which is a truly impressive rate. Rapid and continued growth on the horizon means more opportunities and higher potential to generate income – a win-win for you. 

The U.S. is the most prominent tattoo market worldwide. According to Pew Research, 32% of American adults have at least one tattoo, with 22% having multiple. If you’re trying to start a business in the U.S., you’re in luck.

The same Pew also report shows that 41% of Americans under 30 and 46% aged 30 to 49 are tatted, with more women than men having some ink. That means getting tattoos is prevalent across generations, with a broad and dedicated customer base nationwide. An increasing demand for unique and personalized body art means more work and higher incomes for artists. 

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make a Year?

The average tattoo artist's salary in the United States ranges from $29,000 to over $300,000 in gross pay, but these figures shift significantly based on experience and skill level. Established tattoo artists charge their clients more than apprentices because they have the expertise, portfolios, and clientele to back up their prices. Tattoo apprentices are new to the game and in the process of gaining experience, which is why they charge less.

So, how much does a beginner tattoo artist make? If you're starting out as an apprentice, expect to earn around $47,000 per year. As you build your clientele, your earnings will substantially increase until you bring home six figures. 

If you're wondering how much tattoo artists make per month, do the math based on how much you’ll earn per year. A tattoo apprentice might make approximately $3,333 monthly based on a $40,000 salary, and an experienced artist might make roughly $6,666 monthly based on a $80,000 salary. 

Tattoo artist salaries also vary according to where you live. Here are some stats from Indeed for popular cities in the U.S.: 

• Miami, Florida: $80,578 
• Portland, Maine: $77,921 
• Brooklyn, New York: $65,343 
• Las Vegas, Nevada: $61,855 
• Tampa, Florida: $60,278 
• Los Angeles, California: $59,467 
• Orlando, Florida: $58,599 
• New York, New York: $58,242 
• Seattle, Washington: $57,515 

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How Much Should You Charge as a Tattoo Artist?

One perk of becoming an established artist is that you can set your own rates. Most charge by the hour, but for very small and very large pieces, some also charge per tattoo. 

According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for tattoo artists is about $100. This is typical for experienced, non-apprentice tattoo artists with solid portfolios, but some popular tattooists charge as much as $300 per hour. And for reference, GlossGenius users report that small tattoos take an average of 1.35 hours and large tattoos take 3.92. 

The key to setting your rates is knowing your worth and charging enough to cover the cost of supplies at the same time. If you charge $200 per hour, you don’t pocket all of that money. A portion goes to materials, like machines, tattoo needles, and ink, as well as studio space. 

As for per-tattoo rates, they vary according to the tattoo in question. Is it a small piece the artist can complete in half an hour? Or a large, complex one with shading and different colors? For example, an artist might charge a flat rate of $50 for a small flower tattoo or $2,000 for an intricate, multi-session full-sleeve tattoo. 

To price a tattoo – whether per piece or per hour – think about materials, how much you want to pay yourself, and the average rates in your area. If you aim to pocket $50 per hour, materials cost about $50 per day, and you tattoo for five hours per day, charge at least $60 per hour (not counting the percentage you pay your shop – more on that later). 

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3 Factors That Influence How Much You Make as a Tattoo Artist 

While talent, experience, and skill play vital roles in your income as a tattoo artist, a few other factors influence your earning potential:  

1. Reputation 

As you gain more industry experience, strive to provide exceptional professional tattoo services that establish a strong reputation for your art and professionalism. Your reputation boosts your earnings because artists known for doing a great job attract more customers than artists known for not pulling through – whether that’s through word of mouth or positive reviews online. 

When you do quality work and treat clients well, customers are willing to pay premium prices. Stunning ink and a friendly, comfortable experience are worth a few extra dollars. Work on building a positive reputation by being open, honest, and realistic with your clients about designs, prices, and time frames – they'll appreciate it. 

2. Shop Commission Rate 

Some artists work in shops, while others are self-employed. And your chosen route impacts your salary. If you choose to work at a tattoo studio, the commission rate typically ranges from 40–60%, meaning your workplace takes up to 60% of your earnings. 

Here's a breakdown of how tattoo shops handle commissions: 

• 60/40 split: You keep 60% of your earnings, and the other 40% goes to the tattoo shop.  When you agree to this split, the shop provides a workstation, and you supply ink caps, other disposable materials, and tattooing equipment (like a machine). 
• 50/50 split: This standard split means the tattoo studio takes 50% of your earnings. The shop supplies disposables like ink caps, cling wrap, and Vaseline and should actively market your services to bring in clients. If they don't, look elsewhere. 
• 40/60 split: This commission rate is most common for apprentices because they often prioritize gaining experience over earning profits. If you're a reputable artist in a developed market, experts recommend avoiding such a low split because you can usually earn more at a different location.   

Knowing what's fair and common can help you negotiate the best deal when joining a tattoo shop. Look for a spot offering adequate support like supplies and advertising in return for their profit cut. Most tattoo artists also make tips, which can boost your annual income by a few thousand dollars. 

If you’re self-employed, you get to avoid all these commissions and splits. But bear in mind you have to pay all the overhead fees of running a shop, whether it’s out of your basement or in a brick-and-mortar location. Adjust your rates accordingly.

3. Location and Cost of Living  

Artists in major metropolitan areas usually earn more than those in small cities and rural areas. This is because there’s a higher cost of living and a greater demand for different types of tattoos. On top of those factors, you can charge clients more because you likely pay higher rent and utilities like electricity and water. 

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Go From Solo Artist to Tattoo Empire With GlossGenius 

As a tattoo artist, a stable income helps you grow your business and transform your passion into an empire.

And GlossGenius is the ultimate partner to make your tattoo business thrive. We have everything you need to scale your practice and establish a solid client base. Our Online Booking system lets clients book appointments quickly, 24/7, with no sign-up or app download required. Client Management tools help you rock your customer relationships – with solutions that span everything you need to turn a first impression into a repeat client.

Need financial support? Our Loans for small businesses can give you a boost to get your dream going or help you invest in new equipment. We also offer stunning Point-of-Sale systems for processing client payments smoothly and securely and a Custom Website Builder to create your own tattoo website. 

Join GlossGenius today and start growing your tattoo business. Don’t take our word for it. You can try the platform free for 14 days to test it out yourself.