Tattoo Pricing: Everything You Need to Know

Are you getting ready to get your first tattoo, or your first tattoo in a while? People have been getting tattoos for thousands of years, so you’re joining in on a worldwide tradition.

One of the first things that you have to consider when you’re planning a new tattoo is your tattoo budget. Tattoo pricing can be complicated, and you may find that the rate surprises you when you get to the shop.

We’re here to help you understand tattoo prices so you can start planning. Read on to learn more.

Is Tattoo Pricing Always the Same?

It shouldn’t surprise you that there’s no consistent tattoo pricing. It varies wildly from shop to shop and artist to artist. This may be disappointing if you’re looking for a new tattoo artist and you discover that their rates are much higher than what you’re used to.

There are several reasons that prices might be different.

If you live in a low cost of living area, it’s likely that the tattoo artists will have lower rates. They need less money to survive so they don’t need to charge as much. They also get a feel for what locals are able to pay.

In high cost of living areas, tattoo artists have more flexibility (especially in tourist areas). They know that they’re able to charge more because everything costs more and many people have more disposable income.

Some artists that have large followings charge more because they’re highly sought-after, and they can only take on a certain percentage of the projects that people send to them. They’ve reached a point in their careers where they’re able to charge what they like and maintain a better work/life balance.

Never assume that an artist’s rates are going to be the same as what you’re used to.

Who Sets Tattoo Pricing?

Sometimes tattoo shops set prices and sometimes tattoo artists set prices. Often, it’s a combination of the two.

Shops often set a shop minimum. This is the lowest possible price that you’ll be able to pay for a tattoo, no matter how small it is. This is so artists are able to pay themselves while also paying for their supplies and the time that they spend creating your design.

Shops may also set hourly rates, but this isn’t always true. One artist at a shop may charge $200 per hour while another charges $150 per hour. Remember that tattoo artists are usually independent contractors so they can charge their clients (you) whatever they believe is reasonable.

Is There a Such Thing as a Good and Cheap Tattoo?

This is tricky.

When it comes to tattoos, you generally get what you pay for. People with plenty of tattoos will tell you that they’ve spent thousands of dollars on their body art, and for good reason.

Tattoos are permanent. You’re paying for a (hopefully) custom-made piece of artwork that you get to keep forever. This is a huge purchase, but it’s a lifetime one.

Artists that offer “cheap rates” tend to be inexperienced. They offer such affordable rates because they’re unable to find clients when they charge market rates.

Some expensive tattoo artists may reduce their prices if you get a large-scale piece and do tap-out sessions, but this isn’t usually the case and you shouldn’t rely on it when you make an appointment.

Options for Reduced-Price Tattoos

With this in mind, there are ways to get tattoos when you’re on a budget, but you’re not going to be getting a full custom piece and you shouldn’t try to get a large sleeve, backpiece, or really anything beyond a standard palm-sized or smaller tattoo.

There are, of course, exceptions, but this is a general rule.

Here are a few ways that some people get reduced-priced tattoos when they’re craving some tattoo therapy but trying to save some money.

Apprentice Tattoos

Many people hate the idea of getting tattoos from apprentices but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Tattoo apprentices at high-quality shops have expert mentors who wouldn’t have let them start tattooing on skin if they weren’t ready.

Early-on, apprentice tattoos may be free (but keep in mind that you’re going to be one of the first people that the apprentice ever tattoos). They’ll be simple designs and they may only be pre-drawn tattoos.

As apprentices progress, they’ll start charging for their tattoos, but the rates will be lower than they would be for experienced tattoo artists.

When you get a tattoo from an apprentice, you’ll be saving money and helping someone progress with their career! Even if the tattoo is free, don’t forget to tip. Tattoo apprentices are often either unpaid or paid minimum wage.

Pre-Drawns (Sometimes)

Many artists offer pre-drawn (or flash) designs. Sometimes they offer these designs for a flat rate rather than an hourly fee because they aren’t spending extra time to draw up something custom. These designs may or may not be reusable, so you could have a unique piece or someone else may match you.

If you have a favorite artist, see if they have pre-drawn items in their online portfolios (or if they offer them at the shop itself). This is a great option for anyone who isn’t totally sure what they want.

Special Events

Some shops offer cheaper tattoos during holidays, fundraisers, and other events. Halloween and Valentine’s Day are popular options (as well as the ever-popular Friday the thirteenth). Keep in mind that these will be flash tattoos rather than custom tattoos.

A word of warning: if a shop is doing $13 for Friday the thirteenth, you still get what you pay for. It’s far more common for good shops to do reduced-price (but not $13) tattoos.

Tipping: Is It Necessary?

It’s always customary to tip your tattoo artist about 20% or more after you get your tattoo. Most tattoo artists prefer that you tip in cash, even if the shop accepts cards, but any type of tip is worthwhile.

Many people resist tipping because their tattoo was already expensive but remember that all of that money doesn’t go to the artist. Much of it is going to go toward the shop and supplies (and the artist likely spent a lot of time drawing your design).

The Cost of a Tattoo: You Get What You Pay For

If there’s one thing that you should never try to cheap out on, it’s the tattoo cost. Great artwork costs money, but it’s worth it. Never try to haggle with an artist about tattoo pricing and don’t forget to tip!

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