Tattoo Pricing: National Averages
The national average for tattoos is $150 per hour. One of
the first things many clients ask us is how much their idea is going to cost
them. There are many factors that determine time. Such as size, placement,
color vs. black and grey, amount of detail. It’s almost like asking how much a
house is. Factors like location, size, or if it’s been newly remodeled. At this
point in time a reputable artist will charge by the hour.
Averages:
Solo Tattoo Artist (3-5 yrs) $120-$150 per hour
Established Artist (5-10 yrs) $150-$180 per hour
Teaching Artist (10+ yrs) $150-$220 per hour
Popular Artist $180+
The rate that an artist charges depends on a number of
variables as well. Such as years of experience, time to do a certain style and
volume of detail that goes into the tattoo, many artists base their rate on
their ability and quality.
It’s important to research your artist. Find out how long
they’ve been tattooing and see a large variety of their work to see if their
style will fit with your idea. This is a much better way than trying to price
shop from one studio to the next.
Often you will get what you pay for. Good tattoos take time
and money, and cheap tattoos just aren’t good. Usually if an artist is charging
under $150 and can get you in right away it shows inexperience and neediness
for clients. Be aware of this as the results could be damaging.
-LBT
