Tattoo Artist Salary (June 2024) - Zippia (2024)

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Tattoo Artist Salary (June 2024) - Zippia? ›

$42,900 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $79,000 is the 75th percentile.

$42,900 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $79,000 is the 75th percentile.

According to IBISWorld, which researches thousands of industries worldwide, the tattoo industry in the U.S. grew 8.1% a year on average between 2018 and 2023. The market size of the tattoo is expected to increase by 7.6% in 2023. Adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have driven the demand for tattoos.

On average, tattoo artists charge $100 to $250 an hour, although in certain cases, high-profile tattoo artists charge more. Consider how in-demand your prospective artist is, based on factors such as their number of Instagram followers as well as awards given to the studio or artist, which can help determine rates.

Tattooing has the potential to make you rich. Still, it greatly depends on various factors, such as the artist's skill level, reputation, business acumen, and strategies for marketing and growing their tattooing business.

Tattoo artists receive payment for each tattoo they complete, but if they don't own their own studio, the studio owners will typically take a commission from each tattoo. The specific commission arrangement varies depending on the contract, with a common split being an even 50/50 between the studio and the artist.

Without a doubt, one of the best jobs for aspiring artists is tattooing. Currently, there are around 30,000 tattoo artists in the US, and most of them will tell you they have no intention of looking back!

Scott Campbell

Scott is one of the highest-paid Tattoo Artists in the world, with a net worth of around $10 million. He has tattooed many famous celebrities, including Robert Downey Jr., Sting, and Penelope Cruz. Campbell's tattoo style is known for its intricate designs and attention to detail.

Can I live off of being a tattoo artist? ›

So, if you're considering becoming a tattoo artist, know that it can be a very lucrative career. Just be sure to hone your skills and build a strong client base, and you could make more money than you ever thought possible.

Brian Woo, better known as Dr. Woo, is the go-to tattoo artist for celebrities like Drake, Miley Cyrus, and Zoë Kravitz.

Tattoo Artists have always enjoyed a recession-proof career, but with rising living costs, ensuring you're prepared for any economic downturns is more important than ever. Tattoo Artists are in high demand and can provide steady income even during tough economic times.

While studying art at an institution is not a necessity for becoming a tattoo artist, studying art offers the chance to develop fundamental art skills and knowledge formally. You can pursue a bachelor's degree in art from a university, or do other art courses at a college if education is the path you wish to take.

When it comes to searching for a job, many people think tattoos are now widely accepted. There's no way a company wouldn't hire you just because you have a tattoo! While tattoos are certainly more commonplace than ever before, there are still a few careers with tight restrictions when it comes to tattoos.

No matter how great of a tattoo artist you might be, it doesn't mean you'll immediately get a job – paid or unpaid – at a tattoo shop. No doubt, becoming a tattoo artist is a challenging process that requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work.

Tattoo artists have a wide range of incomes, with the lowest 10 percent making less than $22,500 and the highest 10 percent making more than $86,500.

Bottom Line. While being a tattoo artist is a great way to make a living, it is not a guarantee that you will become rich. Many factors will affect your income, including the size and location of your shop, the number of clients you have, and the designs you offer.