Do you tip a tattoo artist?

Asked by: Vaughn Ruecker  |  Last update: August 11, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

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.

Is it rude to not tip a tattoo artist?

There is no problem, the tip is ALWAYS OPTIONAL, each artist sets their own prices, regardless of the percentage that the studio may or may not take.

How much do you tip on a $500 tattoo?

15 to 20% is standard, if you like the tattoo.

How much do you tip for a $200 tattoo?

A standard tip for a tattoo artist is generally in the range of 15% to 25% of the total cost of the tattoo. For a $200 tattoo, here's a breakdown of common tip percentages: 15% tip: $30 20% tip: $40 25% tip: $50.

How much do you tip for a $100 tattoo?

Just like a waiter/waitress it is 15 to 20 percent, so 30 on 150. 20 on a 100 tattoo. It is really common courtesy.

How much should YOU BE TIPPING YOUR TATTOO ARTIST?

17 related questions found

Do you tip on a $3,000 tattoo?

The best rule of thumb you can follow is to tip at least 20 percent of the total cost of your service and tip even more for custom, intricate tattoo styles.

Do you tip for tattoos in Europe?

If you're getting a tattoo in Europe or Australia, for example, tipping your artist may not be a standard or required practice (per Next Luxury). But in the US, it's a much more common way to show appreciation for the tattooist's hard work and artistry.

Is $50 enough tip for a tattoo?

If the tattoo takes an hour or less, a 20 percent tip may be appropriate. But when the time stretches into multiple hours, you'll want the tip to reflect the artist's commitment to your artwork. This can range from 20 dollars to 50 dollars or more, depending on the tattoo.

Do tattoo artists prefer cash?

Cash is often preferred by tattoo artists.

What is 20% on $250?

20% of 250 is 50.

Using the first method, we can find the answer by dividing 250 by 100, then multiplying that by 20. This is because dividing a number by 100 gives us 1% of that number's value.

Is 10% tip good for tattoos?

A common guideline: 15 to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. This range reflects the quality of work and the overall experience provided. For instance, if your tattoo costs $200, tipping 15 to 20% would mean a $30 to $40 tip.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

What not to ask a tattoo artist?

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist
  • “Can't you give me a discount?”
  • “Can I bring my friends in?”
  • “Can't you just make it work?”
  • “Can you please copy this tattoo?”
  • “Can you do this while I'm drunk?”

Should I tip every tattoo session?

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.

How are tattoos unprofessional?

Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character. They show employers what values or beliefs they might bring to a workplace. On the other hand, if tattoos have nudity or imagery that may be considered inappropriate for certain audiences, the tattoo can easily be covered up with clothing or makeup.

Do tattoo artists get paid per tattoo?

Tattoo artists receive payment for each tattoo they complete, but if they don't own their own studio, the studio owners will typically take a commission from each tattoo. The specific commission arrangement varies depending on the contract, with a common split being an even 50/50 between the studio and the artist.

How do you trust a tattoo artist?

Trust Your Tattoo Artist's Input About Your Design

It's also important to remember your artist is a professional and they know what they're doing – especially if they have a good reputation. Trust your artist when they talk to you about fading, size and shape, and where tattoos tend to smudge.

Is $20 a good tip for a $100 tattoo?

The short answer is yes and about 20%.

(Put the calculator away. Click here to jump to the Tattoo Tip Cheat Sheet.) Generally, 15-25% should be the amount you tip. Where you fall on that scale will depend on a few other factors.

Is tipping a tattoo artist customary?

Patrick Cornolo, owner of Speakeasy Custom Tattoo in Chicago, agrees: “Tipping is pretty normal in tattooing. If you had a good experience and love your tattoo, tipping is appreciated but not expected.”

How big of a tattoo can I get for $500?

That being said, $500 can get you a decent-sized tattoo, depending on the above factors. For example, a small-to-medium-sized tattoo (palm-hand size) on your arm or leg could cost around $300 to $600, while a larger design that covers your back or chest could cost upwards of $1000.

Do you tip tattoo artists in Germany?

If you plan on getting a tattoo in Berlin, you should know that tipping your tattoo artist is not expected. However, your artist will greatly appreciate a tip, especially if the tattoo is very large, complex, or custom-designed for you. Consider an amount of around 5 percent of the total price of your design.

Is it rude not to tip in Europe?

When dining at a restaurant in Europe you should expect to tip a bit more modestly than you would in America. If a service charge is included in your bill then leaving a tip is optional. If it isn't you can leave a 5-10% tip without insulting your waiter or waitress.

What is tattoo etiquette?

The first part of proper tattoo etiquette comes in the design phase. Your tattoo artist is just that – an artist – so although the tattoo is yours, you need to work with them on the design. Don't ask them to tattoo in a style that's wildly different from their usual style, and listen to their recommendations.