Are You Supposed to Tip Tattoo Artists? — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

FAQs

Are You Supposed to Tip Tattoo Artists? — Certified Tattoo Studios? ›

While there's no hard and fast rule, most people tip between 10% - 20% of the total cost of their tattoo. If you're unsure, you can always ask your artist for their opinion. It's important to remember that tipping is not mandatory, but it's always appreciated.

Sinatra also recommends tipping all tattoo artists, even if you're getting your ink done by the owner.

Bottom line: Although not mandatory — nor as expected as it might be in other industries — tipping is a great way to build a relationship with your artist and show your thanks for their service. Even if it's only a little bit, a little goes a long way.

A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo. However, you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and level of satisfaction with the service. It is important to note that tattoo artists are not paid a regular salary.

Many people choose to tip about 20% of the overall price of their tattoo – just like at a barbershop or massage appointment.

If you're getting a larger piece that requires multiple sessions, you might be wondering when and how many times you should tip your artist. "Most people tip a little after each session, and then a bigger tip when the project is done," explains Shuliar.

Tattoo tipping rates

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. 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.

Generally, you should tip the tattoo artists around 20% to 30% on top of the final tattoo price. The tattoo community usually presents these numbers as the most common tipping amount. But, 20% or 30% are just the basic numbers; you should always tip taking into consideration all the aforementioned factors.

Cash Is King

Many tattoo shops will ask you to pay cash, so you'll need cash for a tip. In some instances, shops will honor debit and credit cards for the tattoo itself, but you should still tip the artist with cash.

Is it rude not to tip a tattoo artist? ›

Tipping may not be mandatory, but it's a way to show that you appreciate all of the hard work and effort—physical and monetary—that your artist put into your new tattoo. Remember: A tip isn't about you, it's about the artist.

Generally, 15-25% should be the amount you tip.

It's way too easy for customers to regret the purchase and dispute charges with the bank, leaving the shop having to pay the money back & no ability to recover the product. Also, when you're in an industry with a high rate of chargebacks, you tend to pay much higher transaction fees, further cutting into their profits.

✴ Hourly Rates

Many tattoo artists charge an hourly rate, ranging from $50 to $300 per hour or more, depending on their skill level and reputation.

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.

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!)

Just give them what extra you can spare, if you feel like they're cutting you a great deal and you're happy. Give them more etc…. because their price is a higher rate and you're going to be getting a piece that will ultimately be pricey, common etiquette would be 10%. if it was a 500$ or less tattoo i'd tip 20%.

"While any tip is highly appreciated, a good guideline is to tip 15-20% of the price of the tattoo. However, this amount can be adjusted depending on your personal budget, as well as how happy you are with your tattoo; there definitely isn't a minimum amount," they added.

Cash is King: Tattoo artists often prefer cash tips because they receive them immediately and in full. If you're unsure whether the studio accepts credit card tips, it's best to have cash on hand.