How much is a tattoo going to set you back? At tattooat.com, we understand that getting inked is a big decision, and understanding the financial aspect is crucial. This comprehensive guide breaks down the factors influencing tattoo prices, from tattoo size and artist experience to design complexity and body placement. Get ready to explore the world of tattoo costs and discover how to budget for your dream ink, finding affordable tattoos, cheap tattoos, or discount tattoos isn’t easy. So buckle up and let’s explore tattoo pricing together.
1. What Determines the Price of a Tattoo?
The cost of a tattoo isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on a combination of factors, including the artist’s skill, the size and complexity of the design, and the tattoo’s location on your body. Before diving into specifics, here’s a quick overview of the elements that influence tattoo pricing.
- Artist’s Skill Level: The experience and reputation of the tattoo artist significantly impact the price. Junior artists typically charge less per hour than seasoned professionals or celebrity artists.
- Tattoo Size and Complexity: Larger and more intricate tattoos require more time and expertise, leading to higher costs. A simple tattoo outline will be far less expensive than a full-color, realistic design of the same size.
- Body Placement: Some areas of the body are more challenging to tattoo due to sensitivity, curvature, or skin texture. Tattooing these areas may require more time and precision, which can increase the overall cost.
Let’s explore each of these aspects more closely.
2. Tattoo Artist Skill Level and Pricing
One of the biggest factors affecting tattoo pricing is the artist’s skill level. Whether you’re getting inked by a junior artist, an experienced tattoo artist, or an award-winning pro, their expertise will influence the cost. Here’s a breakdown of what different artist levels typically charge:
2.1. Junior Artists
- Price Range: $50 to $130 per hour / $500 to $1000 per full day
- Why Choose Them: Junior artists are a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable tattoo. These artists are still building their portfolios and gaining experience. According to Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2023, junior artists offer a budget-friendly way to get quality work while they hone their skills. While their work may be slightly slower than experienced artists, you can still get a fantastic tattoo at a lower price point.
2.2. Experienced Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $150 to $300 per hour / $1200 to $1900 per full day
- Why Choose Them: Experienced artists have refined their skills and can handle intricate work with greater precision. You’ll get a very good quality tattoo with less time in the chair, which means less pain. Their expertise often translates to faster execution and a higher level of detail in the final product.
2.3. Pro Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $300+ per hour / $2000 to $3500 per full day
- Why Choose Them: Pro tattoo artists represent the top tier of tattooists. They have often won awards or gained recognition in the tattoo community for their exceptional artistry. Their expertise and custom artwork come at a premium price, and they may have a long waiting list. However, the investment is often worthwhile for those seeking a truly unique and high-quality tattoo.
3. Basic Tattoos: Cost by Size and Skill Level
Size is another critical factor in determining tattoo prices. Larger tattoos naturally require more time and ink, driving up the cost. The complexity of the design also plays a significant role.
Here’s a general guideline for tattoo costs based on size and artist 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 Tattoo | $1500 – $3500+ | $3,500 – $8000+ | $7,500 – $12000+ |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The final price will vary based on the specific design, artist, and location. For example, a detailed and intricate design within the “Medium” size range could easily cost more than a simpler design in the same size category.
4. Unveiling Hourly Rates: What Tattoo Artists Charge
Understanding how tattoo artists set their prices involves looking at hourly rates. This is a common practice, especially for larger or more complex pieces, and it’s essential to know what to expect.
4.1. The Hourly Rate Formula
The basic formula for calculating tattoo cost using hourly rates is:
Price = (Hourly Rate) × (Time Required) + (Additional Fees)
- Hourly Rate: This is the amount the artist charges per hour of work.
- Time Required: This is the estimated time it will take to complete the tattoo.
- Additional Fees: These can include costs for design complexity, the number of colors used, or the difficulty of the body placement.
4.2. Factors Affecting Hourly Rates
Several factors affect tattoo artist’s hourly rates:
- Skill and Experience: As mentioned earlier, more experienced artists command higher hourly rates.
- Studio Reputation: Tattoo studios with a strong reputation and a high demand for their artists may charge more per hour.
- Location: Tattoo prices can vary depending on geographic location. Larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living tend to have higher tattoo rates.
- Specialization: Artists who specialize in specific tattoo styles (e.g., realism, traditional, watercolor) may charge more for their expertise in those areas.
4.3. Examples of Hourly Rates
Here are some approximate hourly rates you might encounter in the tattoo industry:
- Junior Artist: $50 – $130 per hour
- Experienced Artist: $150 – $300 per hour
- Pro Artist: $300+ per hour
Keep in mind that these are just averages. Some artists may charge more or less depending on the factors mentioned above.
5. Exploring Flat Rates: When Artists Charge by the Piece
While hourly rates are common, many tattoo artists also charge a flat rate for smaller or simpler designs. This means they’ll give you a fixed price for the entire tattoo, regardless of how long it takes to complete.
5.1. Advantages of Flat Rates
Flat rates can offer several advantages:
- Price Certainty: You know the exact cost of the tattoo upfront, which can help with budgeting.
- Simpler Designs: Flat rates are often used for smaller, less complex designs, making the pricing process straightforward.
- Faster Tattoos: If the artist can complete the tattoo quickly, a flat rate might be more cost-effective than an hourly rate.
5.2. Factors Affecting Flat Rates
Several factors influence flat rates for tattoos:
- Size and Complexity: Larger and more intricate designs will typically have higher flat rates.
- Artist’s Skill: More experienced artists may charge higher flat rates due to their expertise and reputation.
- Studio Overhead: The costs of running the tattoo studio, such as rent and supplies, can factor into flat rate pricing.
5.3. Examples of Flat Rates
Here are some approximate flat rates you might encounter for common tattoo designs:
- Small Script Tattoo: $50 – $150
- Simple Symbol Tattoo: $80 – $200
- Basic Black Outline Tattoo: $100 – $300
These rates are just examples, and the actual price will vary depending on the specific design, artist, and location.
6. Design Complexity, Body Placement, and Cost
The complexity of the design and the placement of the tattoo on your body are significant factors that can impact the overall cost.
6.1. Design Complexity
- Simple Designs: These designs typically involve basic lines, minimal shading, and few colors. They take less time to complete, resulting in lower costs.
- Detailed, Custom, or Multi-Color Designs: These designs require more time, skill, and precision. They often involve intricate shading, complex line work, and multiple colors, which can significantly increase the price.
6.2. Body Placement
- Delicate Areas (ribs, neck, hands, etc.): These areas are often more sensitive and difficult to work on, requiring extra skill and precision. Tattooing these areas may take longer and result in higher rates.
- Easier Areas (arms, legs): These areas are generally less sensitive and easier to tattoo, resulting in more affordable rates.
6.3. Why These Factors Matter
- Placement affects pricing: Some areas of the body are harder to work on or more sensitive, requiring extra skill and precision.
- The intricacy of the tattoo plays a major role in cost: Simple black-line tattoos cost less, while detailed or multi-colored designs demand more time and effort.
7. Photo Examples of Tattoos with Pricing in Los Angeles
To give you a better understanding of tattoo pricing, let’s look at some real-world examples from Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant tattoo scene. These examples show how sizing, complexity, and placement can affect the final cost.
Important Note: The photos show examples of tattoo sizing, complexity, and placement, but they don’t show the difference in quality between the tattoos done by junior, experienced, and pro artists.
7.1. Small Script Tattoo
- Size: 2 inches (5cm)
- Junior Artist: $100
- Experienced Artist: $150 – 250
- Pro Artist: N/A
Small Script Tattoo
7.2. Small Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 2 inches (7 x 5 cm)
- Junior Artist: $150 – 250
- Experienced Artist: $250 – 400
- Pro Artist: N/A
Small Illustrative Tattoo
7.3. Small Realistic Tattoo
- Size: 3 inches (7 – 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $200 – 250
- Experienced Artist: $300 – 400
- Pro Artist: $400 – 500
Small Realistic Tattoo
7.4. Small Color Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 1.5 inches (6 x 3 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced Artist: $350 – 450
- Pro Artist: $400 – 500
Small Color Tattoo
7.5. Medium Script Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 5 inches (7 x 13 cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – 500
- Pro Artist: $500 – $800
Medium Script Tattoo
7.6. Medium Outline Tattoo
- Size: 3.5 x 4 inches (7 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced Artist: $350 – 450
- Pro Artist: $500 – 600
Medium Outline Tattoo
7.7. Medium Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 3 inches (7 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – 500
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
Medium Illustrative Tattoo
7.8. Medium Realism Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $450 – 600
- Pro Artist: $600 – 800
Medium Realism Tattoo
7.9. Medium Color Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $450 – 550
- Pro Artist: $600 – 800
Medium Color Tattoo
7.10. Medium Traditional Tattoo
- Size: 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $400 – 550
- Pro Artist: $600 – $800
Medium Traditional Tattoo
7.11. Medium Neo Traditional
- Size: 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 12cm)
- Junior Artist: $400 – 500
- Experienced Artist: $700 – 850
- Pro Artist: $1000 – 1300
Medium Neo Traditional Tattoo
7.12. Medium High Detail Color
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (11 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced Artist: $700 – 950
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
Medium High Detail Color Tattoo
7.13. Medium Portrait Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 4 inches (7 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced Artist: $500 – 700
- Pro Artist: $800 – 1100
Medium Portrait Tattoo
7.14. Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced Artist: $700 – 900
- Pro Artist: $900 – $1300
Medium Neck Tattoo
7.15. Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced Artist: $700 – 1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – 1300
Medium Neck Tattoo
7.16. Medium Water Color
- Size: 5 x 4 inches (13 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced Artist: $800 – 900
- Pro Artist: $900 – $1300
Medium Water Color Tattoo
7.17. Large Fine Line Tattoo
- Size: 7 x 3 inches (18 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $ 500 – 600
- Experienced Artist: $700 – 1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – 1300
Large Fine Line Tattoo
7.18. One Large Fine Line
- Size: 8 x 4 inches (20 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $600 – 800
- Experienced Artist: $800 – 1000
- Pro Artist: $1000 – $1300
One Large Fine Line Tattoo
7.19. Large Portrait Tattoo
- 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
Large Portrait Tattoo
7.20. Large Color Portrait
- 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
Large Color Portrait Tattoo
7.21. Large Color Tattoo
- 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
Large Color Tattoo
7.22. Large Color Anime Tattoo
- 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
Large Color Anime Tattoo
7.23. XL Forearm + Hand Tattoo
- 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
XL Forearm Hand Tattoo
7.24. Large Lower Leg Tattoo
- 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
Large Lower Leg Tattoo
7.25. Large Floral Tattoo
- 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
Large Floral Tattoo
7.26. Large Detailed Hip Tattoo
- 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
Large Detailed Hip Tattoo
7.27. XL Black & Gray Tattoo
- 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
XL Black and Gray Tattoo
7.28. XL Upper Arm
- 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
XL Upper Arm Tattoo
7.29. XXL Sleeve + Chest Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $8000 – $12,000
- Pro Artist: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Sleeve Chest Tattoo
7.30. XXL Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 2.5 – 3.5
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $3600 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $8000
XXL Outer Arm Sleeve Tattoo
7.31. XXL Color Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
XXL Color Outer Arm Sleeve Tattoo
7.32. XXL Color Sleeve Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $9000 – $12,000
- Pro Artist: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Color Sleeve Tattoo
7.33. XXL Color Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
XXL Color Outer Leg Sleeve Tattoo
7.34. XXL B&G Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced Artist: $4500 – $6000
- Pro Artist: $6000 – $9000
XXL B&G Outer Leg Sleeve Tattoo
Please note: All prices listed are approximate. The price of each tattoo is determined individually, whether you get a quote online or in person.
8. Navigating Extra Costs: Hidden Fees and Tipping Etiquette
Beyond the basic tattoo cost, there are a few additional expenses to consider. Understanding these potential costs can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.
8.1. Shop Minimums
Many tattoo studios have a shop minimum, which is the lowest price they’ll charge for any tattoo, regardless of size or simplicity. This minimum covers the cost of setup, sterilization, and supplies. Shop minimums can range from $50 to $100 or more, depending on the studio.
8.2. Design Fees
If you’re requesting a custom design, the artist may charge a design fee. This fee covers the time and effort spent creating the artwork. Some artists will apply the design fee toward the final cost of the tattoo, while others may charge it separately.
8.3. Touch-Up Fees
Touch-ups are sometimes necessary to correct minor imperfections or fading in a tattoo. Some artists offer free touch-ups within a certain timeframe, while others may charge a fee. Be sure to ask about the studio’s touch-up policy beforehand.
8.4. Aftercare Products
Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals correctly and looks its best. Your artist will likely recommend specific aftercare products, such as specialized soaps and lotions. The cost of these products can add to the overall expense of getting a tattoo.
8.5. Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is customary in the tattoo industry, just like in other service-based professions. A standard tip is typically 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. If you’re thrilled with your new ink, showing your appreciation with a tip is a great way to acknowledge the artist’s skill and effort.
9. Saving Strategies: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck
Getting a tattoo is an investment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save money. Here are some strategies to help you get the best bang for your buck:
9.1. Simplify the Design
Opting for a simpler design can significantly reduce the cost of your tattoo. Intricate details, multiple colors, and complex shading all add to the time and effort required, driving up the price.
9.2. Choose a Strategic Placement
Consider the placement of your tattoo carefully. Areas that are more difficult to tattoo, such as ribs, neck, and hands, may cost more. Choosing a less sensitive and easier-to-access area, such as the arm or leg, could save you money.
9.3. Research and Compare Artists
Take the time to research and compare different tattoo artists in your area. Look at their portfolios, read reviews, and ask for price quotes. Comparing artists can help you find someone who offers quality work at a price that fits your budget.
9.4. Consider a Junior Artist
If you’re on a tight budget, consider getting your tattoo from a junior artist. Junior artists typically charge lower rates as they build their experience and portfolio. You can often find talented junior artists who are eager to showcase their skills.
9.5. Look for Specials and Discounts
Keep an eye out for specials and discounts offered by tattoo studios. Some studios may offer discounts on certain days of the week, for specific tattoo styles, or for first-time clients.
