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Tattoo artist salary
Average tattoo artist salary
$51,867
Understanding Tattoo Artist Salaries
The salary of a tattoo artist varies based on multiple factors. On average, a tattoo artist earns $51,867 annually. This figure can differ significantly depending on experience, location, and the artist's reputation. For instance, tattoo artists in metropolitan areas often earn higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.
In states like California and New York, the potential earnings can exceed average levels, reflecting the competitive nature of the market. Furthermore, tattoo artists who specialize in certain styles, such as realistic portraits or intricate designs, may attract higher-paying clientele.
Career progression can also influence earnings. As artists gain experience and build a portfolio, they are likely to command higher rates for their work. For those looking to enter this field, understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed career choices.
Highest Paying Tattoo Artist Jobs
- Custom Tattoo Designer
- Tattoo Shop Owner
- Specialized Tattoo Artist
Exploring different job roles within the tattoo industry can lead to lucrative opportunities.
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Where can a Tattoo Artist earn more?
Tattoo artist salary estimates from across the web
Average tattoo artist salary by state
The average tattoo artist salary in Pennsylvania, Alaska, and New York are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average tattoo artist salary states are Utah, Wyoming, and Kansas.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for tattoo artists
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $63,870 | $30.71 |
| 2 | New York | $64,522 | $31.02 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $55,855 | $26.85 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $58,088 | $27.93 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $64,311 | $30.92 |
| 6 | Indiana | $54,026 | $25.97 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $68,769 | $33.06 |
| 8 | Alaska | $66,941 | $32.18 |
| 9 | Maine | $59,334 | $28.53 |
| 10 | Delaware | $60,773 | $29.22 |
| 11 | Maryland | $57,562 | $27.67 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $61,393 | $29.52 |
| 13 | Connecticut | $61,920 | $29.77 |
| 14 | North Carolina | $54,089 | $26.00 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $62,251 | $29.93 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $49,140 | $23.63 |
| 17 | Nevada | $52,033 | $25.02 |
| 18 | Michigan | $48,537 | $23.34 |
| 19 | Alabama | $47,542 | $22.86 |
| 20 | Georgia | $47,845 | $23.00 |
| 21 | Vermont | $58,565 | $28.16 |
| 22 | Florida | $49,348 | $23.73 |
| 23 | District of Columbia | $58,210 | $27.99 |
| 24 | Washington | $44,308 | $21.30 |
| 25 | Minnesota | $46,143 | $22.18 |
| 26 | Virginia | $46,418 | $22.32 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $46,605 | $22.41 |
| 28 | Ohio | $45,373 | $21.81 |
| 29 | Arizona | $43,750 | $21.03 |
| 30 | Kentucky | $40,763 | $19.60 |
| 31 | West Virginia | $46,949 | $22.57 |
| 32 | Iowa | $39,385 | $18.94 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $42,894 | $20.62 |
| 34 | Louisiana | $43,054 | $20.70 |
| 35 | Oregon | $42,768 | $20.56 |
| 36 | Hawaii | $42,921 | $20.64 |
| 37 | Tennessee | $42,402 | $20.39 |
| 38 | South Dakota | $38,251 | $18.39 |
| 39 | Idaho | $42,782 | $20.57 |
| 40 | Texas | $40,019 | $19.24 |
| 41 | Wyoming | $37,383 | $17.97 |
| 42 | Nebraska | $37,965 | $18.25 |
| 43 | Mississippi | $40,455 | $19.45 |
| 44 | Illinois | $40,139 | $19.30 |
| 45 | Utah | $37,583 | $18.07 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $41,050 | $19.74 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $36,807 | $17.70 |
| 48 | Missouri | $38,451 | $18.49 |
| 49 | Montana | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| 50 | Kansas | $36,854 | $17.72 |
| 51 | Colorado | $34,902 | $16.78 |
Highest paying cities for tattoo artists
The highest-paying cities for tattoo artists are New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Madison, WI.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $64,502 | $31.01 |
| 2 | Los Angeles, CA | $63,546 | $30.55 |
| 3 | Madison, WI | $54,477 | $26.19 |
| 4 | Sanford, NC | $54,303 | $26.11 |
| 5 | Bismarck, ND | $48,282 | $23.21 |
| 6 | Atlanta, GA | $47,572 | $22.87 |
| 7 | Virginia Beach, VA | $46,196 | $22.21 |
| 8 | Portland, OR | $42,034 | $20.21 |
| 9 | Houston, TX | $40,753 | $19.59 |
| 10 | Chicago, IL | $40,562 | $19.50 |
| 11 | Salt Lake City, UT | $36,909 | $17.74 |
Tattoo artist salary details
A tattoo artist's salary ranges from $24,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $108,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a tattoo artist's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $108,000 | $9,000 | $52 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,000 | $6,333 | $37 |
| Average | $51,867 | $4,322 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| 10th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
Highest paying tattoo artist jobs
The highest paying types of tattoo artists are butler, body piercer, and tattooist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valet | $32,233 | $2,686 | $15.50 | 3,361 |
| House Sitter | $51,771 | $4,314 | $24.89 | 90,918 |
Top companies hiring tattoo artists now:
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Tattoo artist salary trends
The average tattoo artist salary has risen by $16,649 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average tattoo artist earned $35,218 annually, but today, they earn $51,867 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for tattoo artists over the last decade.
Compare tattoo artist salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average tattoo artist salary over time
Compare tattoo artist salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Tattoo artist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,900 | $24.94 | +6.8% |
| 2024 | $48,400 | $23.25 | +6.9% |
| 2023 | $45,000 | $21.65 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $44,600 | $21.42 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $43,700 | $21.03 | +12.2% |
Recently added tattoo artist salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flora Tattoo Studio, LLC | Tattoo Artist | Chicago, IL | 04/30/2024 | $62,000 |
| Hair Club for Men and Women | SMP/Tattoo Artist | New York, NY | 09/12/2023 | $41,740 |
| Hair Club for Men and Women | SMP/Tattoo Artist | Cincinnati, OH | 09/12/2023 | $41,740 |
| Hair Club for Men and Women | SMP/Tattoo Artist | Indianapolis, IN | 09/12/2023 | $41,740 |
Tattoo artist salary FAQs
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