Earnings

2010 - present

It is difficult to determine an average salary for tattoo artists because their income depends on so many factors. For an example, the location of a tattoo studio can mean the difference between many clients and just a few.

Income also differs depending on your experience and ability. Highly respected artist who design their own drawings charge the most for their work, where as artists who have just finished their training charge less until they have developed enough skill and experience, as well as a good reputation.

Most tattoo artists charge somewhere between $50 and $300 an hour for custom designed tattoos.

Annual income for tattoo artists can be anywhere from $15,000 to more than $50,000, depending on how many clients the studio attracts, the size and types of tattoos requested, the experience of the artist, and whether or not the artist owns the studio or works within it as an employee.

Employees of tattoo studios may work on commissions. This means they earn a percentage of the fee paid by each customer they tattoo. Tattoo prices can range from $50 to $2000 or more, depending on the placement and size of the tattoo and the details and colors involved in the design.

Artists who own their own studios earn more than those who are employed; some make more than $100,000 a year. However, they have to pay the costs of overheads such as rent and electricity.