How Much Are Tattoos Cost? Tattoo pricing depends on the tattoo size, the artist’s expertise, the design’s intricacy, and the tattoo placement. At tattooat.com, we aim to provide clarity on tattoo expenses, empowering you to confidently explore tattoo artistry. Let’s discuss the breakdown of tattoo costs and how to navigate the factors that determine pricing for your body art.
1. What Determines the Price of a Tattoo?
The price of a tattoo varies depending on the tattoo artist’s skill, tattoo size, body placement, and design complexity. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Artist Experience: The more experienced the artist, the higher the hourly rate.
- Tattoo Size: Larger tattoos require more time and ink, increasing the cost.
- Design Complexity: Intricate designs with multiple colors take longer and cost more.
- Body Placement: Areas that are harder to tattoo, like ribs or neck, may incur additional charges.
To help you understand the costs associated with getting a tattoo, let’s explore each factor in detail.
2. How Tattoo Artist Skill Level Impacts Pricing
An artist’s experience is a key factor in determining tattoo prices. Are you working with a junior artist, an experienced tattoo artist, or a seasoned professional? Each artist has different rates that reflect their abilities.
2.1. Junior Artists
- Price Range: $50-$130 per hour
- Why: Junior artists are a budget-friendly option as they build their portfolios. Though their speed is less than that of experienced tattoo artists, their work is of fair quality.
- Consider This: According to Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2025, junior artists offer budget-friendly options for simple designs, allowing them to hone their skills while providing affordable art.
2.2. Experienced Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $150-$300 per hour
- Why: Experienced artists possess refined skills and are capable of handling complicated patterns, which results in less time spent in the chair. This also means less pain.
- Consider This: Inked Magazine notes that experienced artists provide a balance of quality and efficiency, making them a popular choice for those seeking intricate work without excessive costs.
2.3. Pro Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $300+ per hour
- Why: Pro tattoo artists are tattoo industry leaders, having achieved awards and recognition. Custom artwork and competence are reflected in their premium prices, which may result in lengthy waiting periods.
- Consider This: According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, pro tattoo artists represent the pinnacle of skill and creativity, attracting clients willing to invest in unique, high-quality tattoos from renowned artists.
Navigating the different skill levels ensures you find an artist who aligns with your vision and budget.
3. How Basic Tattoo Size and Skill Level Affect Costs
Tattoo prices depend on the size of the tattoo, as larger tattoos involve greater time and skill. Here’s a table showing the cost of tattoos based on size and skill level:
| Tattoo Size | Junior Artist | Experienced Artist | Pro Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny (Less than 2 inches) | $75 – $100 | $150 – $200 | N/A |
| Small (2-4 inches) | $150 – $300 | $200 – $450 | $400-$1000 |
| Medium (4-6 inches) | $300 – $600 | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Large (7-12 inches) | $500 – $1000 | $900 – $1,900 | $2000 – $3,500 |
| Sleeve/Multiple Session Tattoo | $1500 – $3500+ | $3,500 – $8000+ | $7,500 – $12000+ |
As you can see, size and skill level greatly influence tattoo expenses. When you get a tattoo that fits your budget, you should take both things into account.
4. How Design Complexity and Body Placement Influence Tattoo Costs
The intricacy of the design and location on your body are key factors in determining tattoo costs. Let’s see how these affect the final price.
- Simple Designs: Simple designs take less time and cost less.
- Detailed Designs: More complex designs, especially those with custom artwork or multiple colors, require more time and higher costs.
- Delicate Areas: Expect higher rates for sensitive areas like the ribs, neck, and hands due to the precision needed.
- Easier Areas: Arms and legs are more tattoo-friendly and therefore more affordable.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, placing a tattoo is very important because some areas require more skill, while the intricacy of the artwork has a big impact on the price of tattoos.
5. Tattoo Pricing Examples in Los Angeles
Looking at examples of tattoo costs can give you a realistic idea of what to expect. The following photos illustrate variations in size, complexity, and placement, although quality differences aren’t shown.
5.1. Small Script Tattoo
Small script tattoo on a wrist
- Size: 2 inches (5cm)
- Junior Artist: $100
- Experienced Artist: $150 – $250
- Pro Artist: N/A
5.2. Small Illustrative Tattoo
Small illustrative tattoo of a flower on an arm
- Size: 2.5 x 2 inches (7 x 5 cm)
- Junior Artist: $150 – $250
- Experienced Artist: $250 – $400
- Pro Artist: N/A
5.3. Small Realistic Tattoo
Small realistic tattoo of an eye on an arm
- Size: 3 inches (7 – 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $200 – $250
- Experienced Artist: $300 – $400
- Pro Artist: $400 – $500
5.4. Small Color Tattoo
Small colorful tattoo of a bird on a shoulder
- Size: 2.5 x 1.5 inches (6 x 3 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – $350
- Experienced Artist: $350 – $450
- Pro Artist: $400 – $500
These examples illustrate the pricing differences based on design and artist skill.
5.5. Medium Script Tattoo
Medium script tattoo on a forearm
- Size: 3 x 5 inches (7 x 13 cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – $500
- Pro Artist: $500 – $800
5.6. Medium Outline Tattoo
Medium outline tattoo of a geometric design on an arm
- Size: 3.5 x 4 inches (7 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – $350
- Experienced Artist: $350 – $450
- Pro Artist: $500 – $600
5.7. Medium Illustrative Tattoo
Medium illustrative tattoo of a cartoon character on a leg
- Size: 3 x 3 inches (7 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – $500
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
5.8. Medium Realism Tattoo
Medium realism tattoo of a rose on a hand
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $450 – $600
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
5.9. Medium Color Tattoo
Medium color tattoo of a butterfly on a back
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $450 – $550
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
5.10. Medium Traditional Tattoo
Medium traditional tattoo of an anchor on an arm
- Size: 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – $550
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
5.11. Medium Neo Traditional Tattoo
Medium neo traditional tattoo of a dragon on a thigh
- Size: 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 12cm)
- Junior Artist: $400 – $500
- Experienced Artist: $700 – $850
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
5.12. Medium High Detail Color Tattoo
Medium high detail color tattoo of a portrait on a shoulder
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (11 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – $700
- Experienced Artist: $700 – $950
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
5.13. Medium Portrait Tattoo
Medium portrait tattoo of a person on an arm
- Size: 3 x 4 inches (7 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – $400
- Experienced Artist: $500 – $700
- Pro Artist: $800 – $1100
5.14. Medium Neck Tattoo
Medium neck tattoo of a geometric design on a neck
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced Artist: $700 – $900
- Pro Artist: $900 – $1300
5.15. Medium Neck Tattoo
Medium neck tattoo of a floral design on a neck
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced Artist: $700 – $1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
5.16. Medium Water Color Tattoo
Medium water color tattoo of a flower on a shoulder
- Size: 5 x 4 inches (13 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – $700
- Experienced Artist: $800 – $900
- Pro Artist: $900 – $1300
5.17. Large Fine Line Tattoo
Large fine line tattoo of a geometric design on a back
- Size: 7 x 3 inches (18 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – $600
- Experienced Artist: $700 – $1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
5.18. Large Fine Line Tattoo
Large fine line tattoo of a floral design on a thigh
- Size: 8 x 4 inches (20 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $600 – $800
- Experienced Artist: $800 – $1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
5.19. Large Portrait Tattoo
Large portrait tattoo of a face on an arm
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $700 – $900
- Experienced Artist: $1200 – $1800
- Pro Artist: $2000 – $2500
5.20. Large Color Portrait Tattoo
Large color portrait tattoo of a person on a leg
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $1500 – $1900
- Pro Artist: $2000 – $3000
5.21. Large Color Tattoo
Large color tattoo of a dragon on a back
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $1200 – $1800
- Pro Artist: $2000 – $2500
5.22. Large Color Anime Tattoo
Large color anime tattoo of a character on a leg
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – $1000
- Experienced Artist: $1200 – $1600
- Pro Artist: $2000 – $2500
5.23. XL Forearm + Hand Tattoo
XL forearm and hand tattoo of a floral design
- Size: 12 x 6 inches (30 x 15 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $1200 – $1400
- Experienced Artist: $1500 – $2400
- Pro Artist: $2500 – $3500
5.24. Large Lower Leg Tattoo
Large lower leg tattoo of a skull and roses
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – $1000
- Experienced Artist: $1200 – $1600
- Pro Artist: $2000 – $2500
5.25. Large Floral Tattoo
Large floral tattoo on a thigh
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $700 – $900
- Experienced Artist: $1,200 – $1,600
- Pro Artist: $2,000 – $2,500
5.26. Large Detailed Hip Tattoo
Large detailed hip tattoo of a mandala
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – $1,000
- Experienced Artist: $1,200 – $1,600
- Pro Artist: $2,000 – $2,500
5.27. XL Black & Gray Tattoo
XL black and gray tattoo of a skull on an arm
- Size: 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $1,000 – $1,200
- Experienced Artist: $1,200 – $1,800
- Pro Artist: $2,000 – $3,500
5.28. XL Upper Arm Tattoo
XL upper arm tattoo of a tribal design
- Size: 12 x 7 inches (30 x 18 cm)
- Sessions: 1.5 – 2
- Junior Artist: $1,300 – $1,600
- Experienced Artist: $1,800 – $2,500
- Pro Artist: $3,000 – $5,000
5.29. XXL Sleeve + Chest Tattoo
XXL sleeve and chest tattoo of a dragon
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $8000 – $12,000
- Pro Artist: $12,000 – $20,000
5.30. XXL Outer Arm Sleeve Tattoo
XXL outer arm sleeve tattoo of a biomechanical design
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 2.5 – 3.5
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $3600 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $8000
5.31. XXL Color Outer Arm Sleeve Tattoo
XXL color outer arm sleeve tattoo of a samurai
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
5.32. XXL Color Sleeve Tattoo
XXL color sleeve tattoo of a koi fish
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $9000 – $12,000
- Pro Artist: $12,000 – $20,000
5.33. XXL Color Outer Leg Sleeve Tattoo
XXL color outer leg sleeve tattoo of a floral design
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
5.34. XXL B&G Outer Leg Sleeve Tattoo
XXL black and gray outer leg sleeve tattoo of a samurai
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
Understanding these price ranges can help you plan your budget.
6. Factors That Influence Tattoo Prices
To summarize, here are the key factors influencing tattoo prices:
| Factor | Description | Impact on Price |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Skill Level | Junior artists charge less, while experienced and pro artists charge more due to their expertise. | Higher skill = higher cost |
| Tattoo Size | Larger tattoos require more time and ink, increasing the overall cost. | Larger size = higher cost |
| Design Complexity | Intricate designs with multiple colors or custom work require more time and skill, resulting in higher prices. | More detail = higher cost |
| Body Placement | Sensitive or hard-to-reach areas may incur additional charges due to the expertise and precision required. | Delicate area = higher cost |
| Studio Reputation | Well-known studios with high standards of hygiene and customer service may charge more. | Better studio = higher cost |
| Location of Studio | Studios in metropolitan areas with high operating costs may charge more than those in smaller towns. | Metro area = higher cost |
| Customization | Custom designs created specifically for you will generally cost more than choosing a pre-designed flash tattoo. | Custom art = higher cost |
7. Choosing a Tattoo Studio in the USA
Choosing the right tattoo studio is crucial for a safe and satisfying experience. Look for studios that:
- Have a strong reputation: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Maintain high hygiene standards: Ensure the studio is clean and uses sterile equipment.
- Offer transparent pricing: Get a clear estimate before your appointment.
- Provide custom designs: Work with artists who can create unique tattoos tailored to your style.
- Have skilled artists: Work with an artist who is very skilled in the style of tattoo you want to have.
According to the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, prioritizing safety and hygiene ensures a positive and risk-free experience.
8. Why Choose Our Studio in Los Angeles?
Our Los Angeles studio has over 20 artists, so we are confident that we can find an artist that matches the tattoo style you love and that meets your budget!
- 5-Star Rated Studio: We have over 330+ reviews and maintain high standards of hygiene and customer service.
- Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden fees, and we offer custom designs tailored to your style.
- Wide Range of Artists: We work with more than 20 artists, allowing us to find a solution for your specific budget and tattoo style.
Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States.
Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000
Website: tattooat.com
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Costs
Here are some frequently asked questions about tattoo costs:
9.1. How much is a small tattoo?
Small tattoos generally cost between $50 and $200, depending on the artist’s skill and design complexity.
9.2. What is the average hourly rate for a tattoo artist?
The average hourly rate ranges from $50 for junior artists to $300+ for pro artists.
9.3. Do tattoo prices vary by location?
Yes, tattoo prices can vary by location, with metropolitan areas often charging more.
9.4. Are custom tattoo designs more expensive?
Yes, custom designs typically cost more than pre-designed flash tattoos.
9.5. How can I get an accurate tattoo cost estimate?
Consult with the tattoo artist, explain your design, and get a detailed quote.
9.6. What additional costs should I consider?
Consider the cost of aftercare products, potential touch-ups, and tips for the artist.
9.7. How does color affect tattoo prices?
Color tattoos often cost more due to the added time and materials.
9.8. Is it appropriate to tip a tattoo artist?
Yes, tipping 15-20% is customary for good service.
9.9. Can I negotiate the price of a tattoo?
Negotiating tattoo prices is usually not appropriate, as artists value their time and expertise.
9.10. How does tattoo removal cost compare to the initial tattoo cost?
Tattoo removal is generally more expensive than getting a tattoo.
10. Conclusion: Getting the Best Value for Your Tattoo
Understanding the factors that influence tattoo costs will help you make informed decisions. By choosing the right artist and design, you can get a tattoo that you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to start your tattoo journey? Explore tattooat.com for design inspiration, artist portfolios, and expert advice. Discover unique designs, find talented artists, and read insightful articles to guide you through the world of tattooing. Take the first step towards your perfect tattoo today!
