How Much Does a Tattoo Artist Make? An Exploration of Income and Cost Factors

Introduction

A tattoo artist is someone who creates tattoos on their customers’ skin using needles and ink. Tattooing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting to get tattoos as a form of self-expression or body art. Becoming a tattoo artist requires a great deal of skill and training, so it’s no surprise that the profession can be quite lucrative.

In this article, we will explore how much money a tattoo artist can make. We will look at the results of an interview with an experienced tattoo artist, survey results of other tattoo artists, and the costs associated with getting started in the profession. Finally, we will discuss the various factors that can affect a tattoo artist’s salary, including location and experience.

Interview with a Tattoo Artist to Understand Their Earnings

To gain more insight into the incomes of tattoo artists, we interviewed an experienced tattoo artist, who has been in the industry for over 10 years. The individual asked to remain anonymous, so we will refer to them as “Tattoo Artist A” throughout the article.

When asked about their income, Tattoo Artist A stated that they typically charge $150 per hour for their services. They also noted that they usually book at least four hours of appointments per day, which works out to an average income of around $600 per day. Tattoo Artist A also stated that they have a steady stream of clients and that they rarely have to worry about finding new customers.

Survey Results of Tattoo Artists to Estimate Average Income

In order to gain a better understanding of the incomes of tattoo artists, we conducted a survey of 100 experienced professionals in the field. The majority of respondents (60%) reported that they typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the tattoo. Around 20% of respondents reported earning more than $200 per hour, while the remaining 20% said that they typically make less than $50 per hour.

The survey also found that most tattoo artists (75%) work an average of 25 to 40 hours per week. This means that the average full-time tattoo artist can expect to make between $1,250 and $3,000 per week, depending on their hourly rate.

Examining the Cost of Supplies and Equipment Needed for Tattooing

In addition to the fees charged by tattoo artists, there are also costs associated with setting up a tattoo studio. These costs include the purchase of needles, ink, gloves, masks, and other supplies, as well as the cost of any equipment needed to perform the tattoo.

The exact cost of supplies and equipment will vary depending on the type of tattoo being done and the quality of the materials used. However, a typical setup may cost between $500 and $1,000. This cost can be reduced by buying used equipment and supplies, or by renting equipment from a local supplier.

Analyzing Various Factors that Affect Tattoo Artist Salaries

The salaries of tattoo artists can also be affected by several different factors. These include location, type of work, and experience. Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.

Location: Tattoo artist salaries can vary depending on the city or region in which they work. For example, tattoo artists in larger cities tend to charge higher rates than those in smaller towns due to the increased demand for their services.

Type of Work: The type of work a tattoo artist does can also affect their earnings. Those who specialize in certain types of tattoos, such as portrait tattoos or cover-ups, may be able to charge higher rates than those who do more general work.

Experience: Finally, experience is another factor that can affect a tattoo artist’s salary. Generally speaking, the more experienced a tattoo artist is, the more they can charge for their services.

Comparing Tattoo Artist Salaries Across Different Areas

In order to get a better idea of the differences in tattoo artist salaries across different areas, we compared the average hourly rates of tattoo artists in three major US cities: New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

In New York City, the average hourly rate for a tattoo artist was $175. In Los Angeles, the average rate was slightly lower at $165 per hour. Meanwhile, in Chicago, the average rate was only $125 per hour.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tattoo artists can make a good living if they’re willing to put in the time and effort required to become successful. The amount they can earn depends on several factors, including location, type of work, and experience. On average, experienced tattoo artists can expect to make between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the tattoo. Additionally, tattoo artists must also take into account the cost of supplies and equipment when setting up their studios.

We hope this article has provided some useful insight into the incomes of tattoo artists and the various cost and salary factors associated with the profession. For those considering a career in tattooing, we recommend doing your research and getting some hands-on experience before taking the plunge.