How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Tattoo Removal Include?
Laser tattoo removal breaks down ink particles over multiple sessions. Most tattoos require 5-10 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart. The total cost depends on tattoo size, colors, and ink depth.
The national average cost for tattoo removal is $350 per session. Most homeowners pay between $200 and $500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Per Session
Small (2x2 in): $100-$250. Medium (4x4 in): $200-$400. Large (6x6+ in): $300-$600
Total Treatment
Small tattoo (6 sessions): $600-$1,500. Large tattoo (10 sessions): $2,000-$5,000+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Tattoo size
- ✓Ink colors
- ✓Tattoo age
- ✓Skin type
- ✓Number of sessions needed
- ✓Laser type
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Older tattoos are easier (fewer sessions) to remove
- 2.Black ink responds best to lasers — multicolor tattoos cost more
- 3.Package deals for multiple sessions save 10-20%
- 4.Clinics with PicoSure lasers may need fewer sessions
📈 Tattoo Removal Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.4% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $298 | — |
| 2021 | $310 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $330 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $339 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $350 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Tattoo Removal 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 | $164 | $287 | $410 |
| Alaska | $256 | $448 | $640 |
| Arizona | $190 | $333 | $475 |
| Arkansas | $160 | $280 | $400 |
| California | $270 | $473 | $675 |
| Colorado | $216 | $378 | $540 |
| Connecticut | $244 | $427 | $610 |
| Delaware | $210 | $368 | $525 |
| Florida | $196 | $343 | $490 |
| Georgia | $180 | $315 | $450 |
| Hawaii | $284 | $497 | $710 |
| Idaho | $184 | $322 | $460 |
| Illinois | $210 | $368 | $525 |
| Indiana | $176 | $308 | $440 |
| Iowa | $172 | $301 | $430 |
| Kansas | $170 | $298 | $425 |
| Kentucky | $168 | $294 | $420 |
| Louisiana | $174 | $305 | $435 |
| Maine | $204 | $357 | $510 |
| Maryland | $230 | $402 | $575 |
| Massachusetts | $260 | $455 | $650 |
| Michigan | $184 | $322 | $460 |
| Minnesota | $204 | $357 | $510 |
| Mississippi | $156 | $273 | $390 |
| Missouri | $174 | $305 | $435 |
| Montana | $190 | $333 | $475 |
| Nebraska | $176 | $308 | $440 |
| Nevada | $204 | $357 | $510 |
| New Hampshire | $224 | $392 | $560 |
| New Jersey | $250 | $438 | $625 |
| New Mexico | $180 | $315 | $450 |
| New York | $264 | $462 | $660 |
| North Carolina | $180 | $315 | $450 |
| North Dakota | $180 | $315 | $450 |
| Ohio | $180 | $315 | $450 |
| Oklahoma | $166 | $291 | $415 |
| Oregon | $220 | $385 | $550 |
| Pennsylvania | $204 | $357 | $510 |
| Rhode Island | $230 | $402 | $575 |
| South Carolina | $174 | $305 | $435 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $298 | $425 |
| Tennessee | $172 | $301 | $430 |
| Texas | $186 | $326 | $465 |
| Utah | $190 | $333 | $475 |
| Vermont | $216 | $378 | $540 |
| Virginia | $210 | $368 | $525 |
| Washington | $230 | $402 | $575 |
| West Virginia | $160 | $280 | $400 |
| Wisconsin | $188 | $329 | $470 |
| Wyoming | $184 | $322 | $460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
5-10 sessions on average, spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Black ink: fewer sessions. Color ink: more sessions. Amateur tattoos: fewer than professional.
🏙️ Tattoo Removal Cost by City
Compare tattoo removal costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Tattoo Removal
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