So, You’re Getting Inked! Here’s How Much You Should Tip Your Tattoo Artist (2024)

FAQs

So, You’re Getting Inked! Here’s How Much You Should Tip Your Tattoo Artist? ›

One common approach is to tip a percentage of the total cost of the tattoo. Because average tattoo prices vary between artists, the general rule of thumb is to tip a percentage of the final cost. Many people choose to tip about 20% of the overall price of their tattoo – just like at a barbershop or massage appointment.

“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.

A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo, but you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and satisfaction with the service.

Tattoo tipping rates

So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork. While this might seem a bit on the higher end, remember that your tattoo will be a permanent mark.

For example, a small wrist tattoo might cost about $100. Therefore, the average tip would be about $20. If you chose a larger design, like a sleeve on your arm –– or anything larger than 6-8 inches –– you're looking at a tattoo that might cost thousands of dollars.

So, if you were going to get a $1000 tattoo, you'd probably want to tip at least $200; if you were getting a $500 tattoo, you'd probably tip $100, and so on.

Many tattoo artists prefer to be paid in cash as it simplifies the transaction and allows for a seamless commission payment to the studio. Invoicing or involving banks and payment sites can introduce unnecessary complications to an already busy workflow.

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)

What to do the day of a tattoo? ›

Wait at least two weeks and up to four to six weeks after getting a tattoo before swimming in chlorine-filled water. Don't risk infection by going into the pool or hot tub too early!

A minimum of two days and as much as a few weeks are generally recommended to hold off on more moderate and intense activity. Yet even yoga and other low-intensity exercises could be in risky territory if they lead to friction, sweating, or stretching the tattoo.

I always tip 20% minimum. My artist sets his own hourly rate, and it's his own business. And I don't care one bit. If I can't afford the tip on a $500-$700 tattoo, then I can't afford the tattoo.

You can pay as much as you want and think is appropriate. But it is unethical to tip tattooers a few dollars as their service usually costs hundreds of dollars. It is generally accepted to tip 15-20% of total price to your tattoo artist.

A palm-sized tattoo usually runs between $200-500, and medium to large tattoos (about 8”) usually range from $300-600. Half sleeves typically start around $1,000 and full sleeves often range from $2,000-$4,000.