How Much Do Successful Tattoo Artists Make?
Ever wondered how much your favorite tattoo artist makes? We did some research to find out how much the most successful tattoo artists in the industry are raking in. Check out our findings below!
Tattoo artists have a wide range of incomes, with the lowest 10 percent making less than $22,500 and the highest 10 percent making more than $86,500. The median income for all tattoo artists was $32,000 in 2017. However, these numbers vary depending on experience, location, and celebrity status. For example, a well-known artist who owns their own studio in Los Angeles will make significantly more than a new artist just starting out in a small town.
The average hourly rate for a tattoo artist is $125, although this rate varies depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Many artists also charge a minimum fee regardless of the size of the tattoo, which is typically around $50-$100. So, if an artist is working eight hours a day, they could make anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 per day.
Of course, not every day is going to be that busy—some days you might only have one or two clients. And then there are expenses to consider, such as the cost of needles, ink, and other supplies. Still, even after factoring in these costs, most tattoo artists are able to take home a healthy salary.
Tips for Making More Money as a Tattoo Artist
While there's no shortcut road to riches tattoo, there are certainly ways to make more money as a tattoo artist. First, focus on developing your skills and expanding your portfolio. The more versatile you are, the better your chances of booking higher-paying gigs. Second, promote yourself heavily both online and offline. Get involved in the local tattoo community, and make sure potential clients know about your work.
Third, be willing to travel. And finally, don't forget to network. Get to know other tattoo artists, as they may be able to refer clients your way or help you land bigger jobs down the road. By following these tips, you can definitely up your earnings as a tattoo artist.
Wrap Up!
If you're thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, or are just curious about how much money they make, hopefully this article has provided some helpful insight. As you can see, there's a wide range in salaries for tattoo artists—it all depends on factors like experience and location.
However, even starting out, most artists are able to make a comfortable living. So if you've got the talent and are willing to put in the hard work, becoming a tattoo artist could be a very rewarding career choice!
