How Much To Tip a Tattoo Artist 2021 Guide | Tattooing 101 (2024)

FAQs

How Much To Tip a Tattoo Artist 2021 Guide | Tattooing 101? ›

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon. However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others.

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon. However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others.

starts. For anyone thinking about getting a tattoo, there's one important thing to remember: always have enough cash on hand to tip your artist. A good rule of thumb is to plan on tipping at least 20% of the total cost of your tattoo. So, if your tattoo costs $100, be sure to have at least $20 in cash ready to go.

Many people tip about 20% of the overall price to show some extra love to their tattoo artist, especially if they invested a considerable amount of time and effort into your tattoo work. Of course, the tip amount can fluctuate depending on customization, color and shading, and more.

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

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.

✴ 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.

Both Gomez and Dim say that tipping isn't essential, but it is a kind way of showing your artist appreciation for their service and for their work. "I don't believe it's necessary for you to provide a tip. In fact, it doesn't make a difference if you choose not to tip — even if you enjoyed the tattoo," says Dim.

Sinatra also recommends tipping all tattoo artists, even if you're getting your ink done by the owner. “Clients often feel they don't need to tip the owner, but if the owner is working alongside others in the studio and their work is valued, a tip is greatly appreciated,” Sinatra says.

If your tattoo is divided into multiple sessions, you should tip after each session.

Do you tip for a free tattoo touch up? ›

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!)

If you don't think you'll have enough money to tip the full 20% on top of the tattoo's price, you should tip as close to that as you can. Skipping the tip is considered very rude in most shops. If you really don't have enough and you don't tip for the tattoo, it's recommended you don't return to that tattoo shop.

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.

According to Panic, sessions may all start at a flat fee of $200. To confirm pricing, your best bet is to consult with your dermatologist during your initial consultation. And while tipping may be customary for getting a tattoo, removing one requires no fee above what is discussed in the initial 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.

The golden guideline is 20%, but for large bodies of work that cost a lot, tattooists understand that 20% on something that costs a couple thousand dollars can put you out of budget. In that case 15% is acceptable for those who don't have the financial means.