There are a few ways you can build a thriving career as a professional tattoo artist. One of the most common avenues is through a tattoo apprenticeship, which is a mentorship program designed to teach the aspiring tattoo artist everything they need to know about the industry. But, apprenticeships aren’t easy to get, and while less expensive than traditional college, they come with their own drawbacks. 

This guide will explore how much a tattoo apprenticeship costs, covering fees, licensing, and equipment expenses, plus how they compare to traditional schools for tattooing. By understanding how much it costs to become a tattoo artist, aspiring hopefuls can better prepare themselves for this financial commitment and make a more informed decision regarding their futures. 

4 Key Aspects of a Tattoo Apprenticeship

Not all apprenticeships are created equal. The scope of the program, timeline, and cost will all vary from business to business. However, when considering if an apprenticeship is right for you, there are a few basic aspects you should know. 

1. They provide direct, practical experience

When it comes to tattooing, there’s no experience like hands-on experience. From setting up for appointments, handling clients, wiping down workstations, and tattoo machine tutorials, apprenticeships should cover all of the basics of working as a professional artist. This may also include learning the many administrative duties for that specific shop. 

2. They help you learn from the best

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn from an experienced tattoo artist who can guide you through professional mentorship. The expert should have an excellent reputation and the type of portfolio that can inform your own style development. They must also be willing to teach and not just simply looking for a free assistant. 

3. They teach you health and safety protocols

A tattoo apprenticeship should include lessons on health and safety protocols, such as proper sterilization techniques, safe needle handling and disposal, and avoiding cross-contamination. This is essential knowledge for any hopefuls looking to make a career out of tattooing. 

4. They’re unpaid

One of the drawbacks about tattoo apprenticeships is that they’re usually not paid, which means you’re trading months or years of labor for your tattoo education. While this may work for some, those with heavy financial obligations may find it challenging to find the time to apprentice and support themselves. 

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3 Tattoo Apprenticeship Costs

How much a tattoo apprenticeship costs depends on who is running the program, what they’re including in your education, and where the shop is located. Some common tattoo apprenticeship costs include: 

1. Tattoo licenses and certifications

Getting your tattoo licenses and certifications isn’t terribly expensive, but it’s still a necessary cost (depending on your state of business). In places like New York, the license fee is $100 (good for two years), plus you’ll need the $26 course on infection control. In states like Hawaii, you’ll need to take a course on bloodborne pathogens (which can cost anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on the program), plus a license fee of $75.

2. Studio fees

Some tattoo shops offer “free” mentorship in exchange for your labor, while others may charge a fee to use their space and equipment. On average, the cost to enter an apprenticeship can range anywhere between $500 and $20,000, and most programs will take around one to three years to complete. 

3. Tattooing equipment and supplies

Outside of the standard tattooing gear, some art supplies you’ll need include sketchbooks, pencils, markers, as well as digital tablets for designing. You’ll also need some fake skin to practice your craft and gain your confidence. Depending on how many supplies you’ll need (and how long your apprenticeship lasts), you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. 

Tattoo Apprenticeship Versus Colleges

Before you commit to your professional path, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of an apprenticeship versus a traditional college. 

Tattoo apprenticeship 

Pros

• More affordable. Tattoo apprenticeships are much more affordable than a standard college by many thousands of dollars. Attending a school like the Academy of Art University in San Francisco or the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York can provide a worthy art education and teach you much about the history of body modifications or the finer points of color theory, but it’ll come with a hefty price tag. 
• More relevant education. An apprenticeship will give you hands-on experience with everything you need to learn about working in and running a tattoo shop. From administrative duties, to client care, to shop maintenance and sterilization, a tattoo mentorship will prepare you specifically for your career path, leaving you with all the tools you need to familiarize yourself with the industry. 

Cons

• Unpaid. Apprenticeships aren’t for those who are looking for a gig to pay their bills. Not only are apprenticeships unpaid, but they can even cost you money to attend, depending on the specific program. 
• Can be exploitative. Unfortunately, not every mentor is out to train the talented tattooists of tomorrow because they have a true desire to see them succeed. You can find plenty of horror stories regarding tattoo shop owners taking advantage of eager artists looking to make their mark in the world of permanent ink. And, since apprenticeship timelines are at the sole discretion of the shop owner, it can be years before you ever start making money of your own. 

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Traditional college

Pros

• More structured learning. Chances are your tattoo shop mentor isn’t drawing up a new curriculum every semester – you’re essentially immersing yourself in the environment and learning on the fly. However, a school with structured courses may offer a better, more organized atmosphere where you can learn the basic tenets of design and art. Additionally, it offers a more general degree that you can potentially use to expand your career choices in the future. 
• Less pressure. Surrounded by your peers, a classroom environment can take the pressure off of a daily one-on-one performance with a watchful expert. A traditional college will allow you to learn more at your own pace, which can help you focus better on the curriculum topics rather than jumping into the chaos head first. 

Cons: 

• Less value. Attending a traditional college comes at a great cost – and if you’re spending your days taking mandatory language classes or boring electives, that price becomes even less worth it. Attending a school for tattooing can be a helpful alternative, but it’s really the apprenticeships that will light the fire under your career. 
• Less personal experience. There aren’t many colleges in the United States that offer specific courses for tattooing, so your best bet is with a college for art or design. Unlike at an apprenticeship where your education is one-on-one, college classes will have several other students all trying to get their money’s worth. Regular college doesn’t offer as much facetime with clients or networking opportunities, and is less likely to lead to a full-time job at a shop. 

Begin Your Tattoo Career with GlossGenius

Tattoo apprenticeships are an essential step to building a successful career as a professional tattoo artist. While you can head off to a traditional college or apply for independent courses at a school for tattooing, it’s the apprenticeship that’s going to impart the most relevant knowledge and increase the likelihood of landing a job at a tattoo studio. 

GlossGenius is the ultimate partner for tattoo artists, with its list of premium features specifically designed for those at all stages of their careers. If you’re a beginner looking to establish your business with minimal fuss, Genius Loans can offer up to $250,000 with no credit check to help you hit the ground running. Use our Marketing features to reach new clientele and build your brand, and our Online Booking features to make sure your schedule never sits empty. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!