How Much Does Tattoo Cost Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Tattoo Cost Include?
Tattoo pricing varies enormously based on size, detail, color, placement, and the artist's reputation. Most artists charge per hour, with shop minimums typically $50-$100.
The national average cost for tattoo cost is $250 per tattoo. Most homeowners pay between $50 and $3,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Size
Small (2-3 in): $50-$200. Medium (4-6 in): $200-$500. Large (half sleeve): $500-$1,500. Full sleeve: $1,500-$5,000+
Hourly
Apprentice: $80-$120/hr. Experienced: $150-$250/hr. Top-tier/celebrity: $250-$500+/hr. Shop minimum: $50-$150
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Size
- ✓Detail and complexity
- ✓Color vs black/gray
- ✓Artist experience/reputation
- ✓Body placement
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Flash designs (pre-drawn) are often available at reduced rates
- 2.Many shops offer discounts during Friday the 13th flash events
- 3.Apprentice artists charge 40-60% less while being supervised
- 4.Tip your artist 15-20% — it's standard and ensures great work on future sessions
📈 Tattoo Cost Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.9% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $212 | — |
| 2021 | $221 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $235 | +6.3% |
| 2023 | $242 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $250 | +3.3% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Tattoo Cost Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41 | $205 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $64 | $320 | $3,840 |
| Arizona | $48 | $238 | $2,850 |
| Arkansas | $40 | $200 | $2,400 |
| California | $68 | $338 | $4,050 |
| Colorado | $54 | $270 | $3,240 |
| Connecticut | $61 | $305 | $3,660 |
| Delaware | $53 | $263 | $3,150 |
| Florida | $49 | $245 | $2,940 |
| Georgia | $45 | $225 | $2,700 |
| Hawaii | $71 | $355 | $4,260 |
| Idaho | $46 | $230 | $2,760 |
| Illinois | $53 | $263 | $3,150 |
| Indiana | $44 | $220 | $2,640 |
| Iowa | $43 | $215 | $2,580 |
| Kansas | $43 | $213 | $2,550 |
| Kentucky | $42 | $210 | $2,520 |
| Louisiana | $44 | $218 | $2,610 |
| Maine | $51 | $255 | $3,060 |
| Maryland | $57 | $288 | $3,450 |
| Massachusetts | $65 | $325 | $3,900 |
| Michigan | $46 | $230 | $2,760 |
| Minnesota | $51 | $255 | $3,060 |
| Mississippi | $39 | $195 | $2,340 |
| Missouri | $44 | $218 | $2,610 |
| Montana | $48 | $238 | $2,850 |
| Nebraska | $44 | $220 | $2,640 |
| Nevada | $51 | $255 | $3,060 |
| New Hampshire | $56 | $280 | $3,360 |
| New Jersey | $63 | $313 | $3,750 |
| New Mexico | $45 | $225 | $2,700 |
| New York | $66 | $330 | $3,960 |
| North Carolina | $45 | $225 | $2,700 |
| North Dakota | $45 | $225 | $2,700 |
| Ohio | $45 | $225 | $2,700 |
| Oklahoma | $42 | $208 | $2,490 |
| Oregon | $55 | $275 | $3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $51 | $255 | $3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $57 | $288 | $3,450 |
| South Carolina | $44 | $218 | $2,610 |
| South Dakota | $43 | $213 | $2,550 |
| Tennessee | $43 | $215 | $2,580 |
| Texas | $47 | $233 | $2,790 |
| Utah | $48 | $238 | $2,850 |
| Vermont | $54 | $270 | $3,240 |
| Virginia | $53 | $263 | $3,150 |
| Washington | $57 | $288 | $3,450 |
| West Virginia | $40 | $200 | $2,400 |
| Wisconsin | $47 | $235 | $2,820 |
| Wyoming | $46 | $230 | $2,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip my tattoo artist?
15-20% is standard, similar to a hairstylist. For a $200 tattoo, tip $30-$40. For multi-session pieces, tip at each session.
🏙️ Tattoo Cost Cost by City
Compare tattoo cost costs in the most popular US cities:
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