What Can You Expect to Earn as a Tattoo Artist and Studio Owner?

If you’re thinking of launching your career as a tattoo artist, it’s helpful to get a sense of how much you can earn. You can expect this to change as you progress from apprentice to a more experienced artist or as you open your own studio. The biggest factors to consider are experience, location, and how you’re getting paid.

Apprenticeships and Breaking Into the Industry

Many tattoo artists begin their careers with an apprenticeship. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to develop skills, start a portfolio, and learn the ins and outs of the industry from experienced mentors. According to ZipRecruiter, as of October 2024, the national average salary for tattoo apprentices is $47,840 per year, based on an hourly wage of around $23 (Source: ZipRecruiter 2024). However, it’s not uncommon for artists to earn much less, even taking unpaid apprenticeships or paying a fee for the experience. Remember that these mentors should be invested in your career, so avoid studios that try to charge you too much.

Getting a tattoo apprenticeship can be a bit of a hustle, but it’s an important first step in becoming a tattoo artist. Start by building a strong portfolio that showcases a wide range of drawing skills, with an emphasis on designs with clean lines, shading, and contrast that translate well into tattoos.

You’ll find apprenticeship opportunities by reaching out to artists on social media, visiting local tattoo shops, and networking with other artists in the community. Building relationships with established professionals can significantly improve your chances of finding a mentor.

Once you've secured an apprenticeship, be prepared to support the studio in various ways, such as cleaning, sanitizing tools, and assisting with administrative work. You'll observe and learn from experienced artists before gradually progressing to working on clients (Source: Indeed Career Advice 2023 ; Tattooing 101). Though this phase can be a grind, it’s where you build the foundation for your career. Stay focused on honing your craft, and remember, patience and persistence pay off in this industry.

Building Your Brand and Career Progression as a Tattoo Artist

After your apprenticeship wraps up, you’ll jump into full-time work at a studio, and this is where your career as a tattoo artist truly begins. Some studios might hire you as a full-time employee, offering a steady paycheck and benefits. However, most artists start as independent contractors, working on commission. This means the studio takes a cut of what you earn from each tattoo – which is usually between 40% and 60% (Sources: Xtreme Inks; Florida Tattoo Academy).

Starting Out: Building Your Client Base

At the beginning of your career, you’ll likely charge lower rates, typically between $50 and $80 per hour. The goal at this stage is to build your portfolio and attract clients. It’s all about gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. A strong social media presence can also go a long way in establishing your brand and building credibility. Though pay is lower at first, each tattoo helps build your reputation (Sources: Xtreme Inks; Florida Tattoo Academy).

Mid-Career: Increasing Your Rates as You Grow

As your skills improve and your client base grows, you’ll be able to charge more. With a few years of experience, most tattoo artists charge $100 to $250 per hour, based on their style, demand, and location. At this stage, artists typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, but if you specialize in more complex or unique designs, you could make even more (Sources: Xtreme Inks; Florida Tattoo Academy). As of 2024, the average salary for tattoo artists in the U.S. sits at around $64,245 (Source: Indeed Salaries 2024).

Managing Expenses and Studio Fees

Don’t forget that if you’re working as an independent contractor, part of your earnings will go to the studio, and you’ll also have to cover your own expenses like supplies, equipment, and marketing. Careful budgeting is important in the early stages to ensure your business stays sustainable. As you progress, you might consider renting a booth or even opening your own studio to take full control of your earnings (Sources: Xtreme Inks; Florida Tattoo Academy). Building your reputation and portfolio takes time, but your earnings will grow as your experience, and client base expand.

From Artist to Studio Owner: Making the Leap

For many tattoo artists, opening a studio is the ultimate goal. However, it requires a significant upfront investment, usually between $15,000 and $100,000 depending on location and size. (Source: BusinessDojo).

Key Costs to Consider:

Equipment: High-quality tattoo machines, autoclaves, and client chairs are essential, with costs ranging from $200 to $8,000 depending on the item
Rent and Location: A high-traffic area can increase your walk-ins but will come with higher rent—between $1,000 and $5,000 per month
Marketing: Expect to budget $6,000 to $12,000 for marketing, including a solid online presence and local advertising

With the right planning, opening your own studio can lead to significant financial rewards and creative freedom.

Studio Owner Earnings

As a studio owner, your income comes from both your own tattoos and the work of other artists. You’ll likely earn through booth rental fees or commissions, with typical booth rents ranging from $500 to $1,500 per month, and commissions often between 40% to 60% of the artist’s income. However, how much you earn overall depends on several factors, such as the size of your shop, the number of artists, and your location (Sources: Xtreme Inks; Florida Tattoo Academy).

BusinessDojo helps understand what this might look like through three common scenarios that studio owners might find themselves in:

1. 1. 1. 1. Struggling Studio
        In this scenario, a studio might be located in a small town with limited traffic and a lower cost of living. The owner might struggle to attract clients or hire skilled artists, resulting in lower monthly revenue—about $5,000. With such a setup, the owner might only take home around $800 per month after covering rent, utilities, and supplies (Source: BusinessDojo).
        
        Average Studio
        The next tier is an average studio in a busier area. With a decent flow of clients and a couple of artists working full-time, the studio could generate $15,000 per month. The owner can expect to earn much more in this case, taking home a more substantial income after paying staff and other operating expenses (Source: BusinessDojo).
        
        Exceptional Studio
        At the top tier, a well-established studio with renowned artists can see significant profits. Located in a city with high demand for custom artwork, this kind of studio could pull in $50,000 or more per month. With high-profile artists and premium services, the owner’s earnings can be quite impressive (Source: BusinessDojo).

Growth Potential - Scaling Your Studio

Regardless of where you start, there’s always room for growth. Adding services like piercings, aftercare products, and merchandise, or hosting guest artists, can all contribute to higher revenue. The key is diversifying your income streams and building a strong reputation.

Conclusion

If you’re pursuing a career in the tattoo industry, you can expect a wide range of earning possibilities. While the early years might require a financial and time investment as you build your reputation and client base, the long-term rewards can be huge! If you're dedicated to perfecting your craft and running an efficient business, the tattoo industry offers both artistic fulfillment and financial opportunity.

Take Your Tattoo Career to the Next Level with TattooPro

Whether you’re just starting out or are on your way to becoming a studio owner, managing your tattoo business efficiently is key to long-term success. TattooPro software is designed to support you through every stage of your career—from booking clients and managing payments to streamlining your scheduling and building a professional brand.

With TattooPro, you’ll be able to focus on what matters most: creating great art and growing your client base. Let the software handle the admin work, so you can spend more time doing what you love - tattooing.

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