Tattoos are one of the most unique ways to express yourself, but it is no secret that they often come at a steep price. Many customers do not know what goes into the art of tattooing, which makes them question the price of their tattoos. So, why are tattoos so expensive?

The ability to craft a high quality tattoo is a rare ability that only the extremely hard working artist can perfect. Artists’ materials for giving a tattoo come at hefty prices, and maintaining a self employed business requires significant overhead including insurance, extra taxes, and more.

What is most important to remember is that while the initial investment may seem high, a tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life, making the cost over the long term very small.

Think of this way: what else can you buy for the cost of a tattoo that will last you as long and give you as much satisfaction?

Continue reading to learn why tattoos cost what they do, as well as answers to several other questions that might arise as you explore the subject of tattoo pricing. Especially if you are new to the tattoo experience, you can benefit from learning all available information this subject.

What Makes A Tattoo Price Go Up?

The first thing to consider when thinking about why tattoos seem to be so expensive is the characteristics of certain tattoos. Obviously, a detailed bundle of red roses is going to cost more than a small outline of a cross. But why is this?

Several factors affect the price of a tattoo, and each factor has a reasonable justification for doing so. Below are the main things that can influence or raise the price of your tattoo:

    Artist
    If you are getting a tattoo from a well-known artist, their prices might be higher than usual.
  
    Design 
    More intricate designs require more skill and concentration. A tattoo with shading, dotted lines, etc., will cost more than a basic outline.
  
    Materials
    The larger your tattoo is, the more likely it will become highly detailed and intricate with many layers of shading and blended colors.
                      All of this equates to more materials, more planning and most importantly: more time.
  
    Time
    The time it takes to get your tattoo heavily influences how much it will cost. Most artists have hourly rates, and if your tattoo takes several hours, it will be understandably more expensive.

How Much Does A Decent Tattoo Cost?

Numerous factors determine the cost of your tattoo. Your tattoo artist will typically decide how much a certain tattoo will cost with regard to:

Size
Location
Quality
And more

All in all, the average cost of a small to medium size tattoo is between $150 and $450, with the national (USA) median being $250. However, many tattoos will be very large, even taking up most of the surface area of someone’s skin. These can cost thousands of dollars.

Tattoo shops that offer lower prices might be something to avoid. Generally, cut-rate prices are an indication of Poor quality rather than a great deal. But if you find a place with low prices that you know has reliable artists, feel free to get tattoo there. Just be very very cautious and dont jump into anything just for instant gratification.

Typically, tattoo shops have a minimum price, meaning that no matter how small or simple of a tattoo you want to get, you will have to pay at least their minimum cost, which is usually somewhere near, or slightly above $100.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider the following estimates to be fairly reasonable price ranges before you go into a tattoo shop to get work done (all prices in USD):

    Small tattoo (3x3 in. or smaller)
    $50 to $200
  
    Medium tattoo (4x4 in.)
    $150 to $400
  
    Large tattoo (larger than 4x4 in., half sleeve, etc.)
    $250 to $1,000
  
    Full sleeve, full back, etc.
    $500 to $4000(and up)

As you can see, all of these prices are overlapping. That is because no two places are likely to have the exact same prices, especially in completely different cities or states. Furthermore, several tattoo artists have predetermined hourly rates, which will be discussed in more detail shortly.

Basically, do not be surprised if you go into a tattoo shop and get an estimate for a tattoo that is much higher than you expected. Step back and consider the factors that are adding to this cost. Similarly to a hairstylist, it is not uncommon for a tattoo artist to pay right out of their pockets for their:

Tattoo machines
Needles
Ink
Sanitary supplies and more

Remember: you are asking someone to provide a highly specialized skill that takes an incredible amount of work to perfect and maintain. They deserve to be compensated for their work. The chances of being overcharged are quite low if you have adequately done your research and found a reputable shop with highly skilled artists.

Is $200 An Hour Too Much For A Tattoo?

What might make matters more complex when choosing where to get your tattoo done is in comparing different artists’ hourly rates. An hourly rate of $200 (USD) is not uncommon in the tattoo industry especially if you live in a city with high cost of living. However, that rate is higher than the hourly average, which is around $150

High quality work is the first thing you should look for and then decide if the work is valuable enough to pay the price. Don’t sacrifice quality for a deal on the price. This is something that will be with you until you die so make sure its the best quality for the money and don’t get cheap.

It is a good idea to do some research on your own. Most tattoo shops have each artist’s portfolio available on their shop’s website. Before you choose an artist, make sure you are a fan of their previous work. Click here to read an article I wrote all about finding a good tattoo shop.

Keep in mind that an hourly rate is typically applied for tattoos that take over one hour to do. In many cases, customers prefer developing a relationship with their tattoo artists before having a larger tattoo done by the artist. This is not a requirement, but it certainly may make you more comfortable paying a higher price for an artist’s hourly rate.

As long as your tattoo artist’s hourly rate is not entirely unreasonable, you should respect any set rates that they have.

Can You Negotiate Tattoo Prices?

Once you've heard the price it might cost for a good quality tattoo, you might be wondering if you would be able to negotiate with your tattoo artist for a lower price.

Customarily it is considered rude to try and negotiate the price of your tattoo. Tattooing is a craft that requires rare skills, acquired over many years of practice. If you trust your tattoo artist to do quality work you should trust their prices are fair.

It is important to consider that this is a service industry like any other. You do not typically negotiate prices at a restaurant, and this is really no different.

If you are a bit skeptical about the price of your tattoo, in most cases, it is okay to ask why the price is what it is. If the price is fair, your tattoo artist should be able to explain why the price is higher due to color, complex design, etc.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are curious about the reasons for the price of a tattoo:

Your relationship with the tattoo artist – are you a repeat client?
Specific details you are looking for in your tattoo – is it complex?
Whether the artist has a set hourly rate or not
If you truly understand the common price ranges of tattoos

Is It Rude To Ask How Much A Tattoo Costs?

Asking the price of a tattoo is much different than trying to negotiate a lower price. Typically, it is perfectly acceptable to ask how much a tattoo costs. After all, just as the artist is willing to share their talents, so too are you willing to pay them for it.

Many people go into a tattoo shop for a consultation for the tattoo they want before they actually set an appointment. Consultations involve both a rough estimate of the tattoo plus a conversation with the artist concerning what exactly you are wanting.

Tattoo artists should not take offense if you ask them how much their hourly rate is - or even how much your specific tattoo might cost. Conditions permitting, they should be able to give you an accurate estimate of how much you will spend. Please understand that this can be a difficult thing to do. There are many variables that can affect the price of the tattoo and some of them are not entirely under the artists control.

First consider that if you are asking for a quote before the artist has designed the tattoo they can only give you a VERY rough estimate. the development of the design will give them a better idea but even with a good guess the actual tattooing can present new challenges. Maybe you want to take a lot of breaks or have a hard time sitting still. Perhaps they have to work a little harder with your skin type. Many things can add time and effort during the tattoo so be prepared for the actual price to fluctuate from the estimate.

Should You Tip A Tattoo Artist?

What I always say is “It’s never expected but always accepted.” Because not everyone tips, tattoo artists do not necessarily expect you to tip however, it is not a bad idea, and it is certainly not disrespectful.

Certain factors might influence whether you feel inclined to tip or not:

How long the tattoo takes (meaning how hard they have worked for you)
How detailed or complex the design is
How well you know your artist
How satisfied you are with the work or how much it meant to you to get the tattoo

If the tattoo you are getting takes several hours or even multiple tattooing sessions, you might consider giving a tip for the laborious efforts of your artist. Sitting with a needle in one’s hand for hours at a time is a feat that requires the most precise movement and concentration.

You might also feel more inclined to tip your artist if your tattoo is especially complex. Perhaps there are a lot of cosmetic details or your artist how to go to extra lengths to stencil out the exact tattoo you wanted. This process is just as arduous as the labor involved in the actual tattooing.

Are You a Regular?

If you have had multiple tattoos done by the same artist, the chances are that you have developed at least some sort of relationship with them. Going to get a tattoo by your favorite artist can be filled with excitement and great conversation. You might consider tipping your artist if you are a regular customer; this way, you can thank them a little extra for the time they have given to you.

Are You Thrilled with Your Result?

Lastly, many people tip because they are so happy with their tattoo. Maybe you go into the tattoo shop not knowing what to expect, but when the tattooing process is over, you feel nothing but pure bliss from the excellent work your artist has done. A great way to show your appreciation is by adding a little extra to the cost of the tattoo.

When customers tip their tattoo artists, most people give anywhere between 15-20%. Though if you choose to tip, it is perfectly fine to give more or less than that. However, if you want to tip and are not sure how much to give, consider that range as a starting point.

How Do I Find A Good Tattoo Artist?

If your city or town has several tattoo shops, it can be difficult to make up your mind about which place to go to. Plus, even if you have a shop picked out, you might still struggle to find a particular tattoo artist. Click here to read an article I wrote all about finding a good tattoo shop, or keep reading for a quick synopsis.

A common method tattoo customers follow is they find the artist first. Of course, you want the shop that they work out of to be:

Clean
Trustworthy
Popular

But even if the shop has some of the best artists around, they may not fit your specific style. Keep these things in mind when choosing your tattoo artist:

Their experience
The quality of their previous work
The conditions of the shop that they work in
Their hourly rates
Their reputation

For instance, maybe you want a minimalist tattoo, and a local shop has the best American-traditional artist in town. Well, while this artist might produce some of the most beautiful American-traditional work, they may not be as well-versed or as interested in a minimalist style.

Typically, any talented artist has at least some level of expertise in multiple tattoo styles, but you want to make sure that they are a good fit and who you are looking for. The easiest way to find an artist that you like is by going to the website of the shop that they work at and checking out their portfolio. You can also see how comfortable you feel during your consultation.

Keep in mind that tattoo artists tend to move around. It is a good idea to keep tabs on your artist to see if they move shops. You do not want to go into a shop to find out that they have left. It can be a bit embarrassing if you just walk back out of a place that saw you as a customer. Make the effort to keep in touch and develop a relationship with your artist beyond the cash transactions.

Are Tattoos Worth The Money?

Though the vast majority of people with tattoos will tell you that tattoos are absolutely worth the money. People who disapprove of tattoos might be quick to say they are a waste of money. This comes down to which echo chamber you are in.

If getting a tattoo is something you have fully committed to, you have done the research, found a reputable and skilled artist that you want to get tattooed by, then YES absolutely tattoos are worth the money.

Value is totally subjective and what kind of art you like and what you want to do with your body is totally up to you. Tattoos are an excellent way for people to express themselves through art filled with:

Meaning
History
Details

Of course, your tattoo does not necessarily have to have any meaning. If you like a design, that is a perfectly acceptable reason for getting a tattoo all by itself. In any case, if you are satisfied with the work, tattoos are worth the money.

It does not matter if you have different themes on different parts of your body or if each of your tattoos is entirely different. If you are happy with the way you have chosen to express yourself, there is no reason to feel any shame in what you spend your money on. After all, it is your money. At this point in time, for better or worse, getting tattooed is about the same as shopping for shoes.

What Is The Most Expensive Tattoo In The World?

Although most tattoos come at reasonable prices, some customers are more than willing to spend immense amounts of money on their body modifications. It is believed that the most expensive tattoo in the world comes from Yair Shimansky. The tattoo consists of an intricate combination of 612 half-carat diamonds. Rather than ink, the $924,000 tattoo is literally made of gems.

While this is incredible, the chances are that you may not be willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your tattoos. However, many people who have the means want to get the best of the best. It is not unusual for customers to spend many thousands of dollars on tattoos that cover their bodies.

Some of the most popular tattoo artists charge between $300 to $1,000 an hour for their tattoos. Again, this is rare. So, unless you are intentionally seeking these artists out, you will not have to worry about paying nearly this much for your tattoo.

Takeaway

Tattoos appear to be so expensive because of the work that goes into them. The ability to craft a high quality tattoo is a rare ability that only the extremely hard working artist can perfect. Artists’ materials for giving a tattoo come at hefty prices, and maintaining a self sufficient business requires significant overhead. All this means it is reasonable that tattoo artists are compensated for through the price of tattoos. Always keep in mind that while the initial cost may seem high, the product will be with you for the rest of your life. In any case, it should not be difficult to find a talented artist in your area that offers affordable prices for their work.

Thanks For Reading!

If you ever want to ask questions or discuss anything you read here please feel free to reach out through the contact page or visit my Twitch channel and ask me anything in real-time! I stream Wednesday-Friday 10 am-3 pm PST.

I also co-host a podcast for artists called Art Condition where we discuss the business and mindset for artists. Click here to see past episodes and subscribe on your favorite platform.