How Much Do You Tip A Tattoo Artist In 2023?

If you’re not sure how much to tip your tattoo artist, you’re not alone! It’s a common question people have when getting a tattoo. You want to make sure you give enough to show appreciation for their hard work, but you also don’t want to overdo it if it’s just a small tattoo.

So, how much do you tip a tattoo artist? As a general guide, in the US it’s recommended that you tip between 20-25% of the total cost of the tattoo. However, the actual percentage may vary based on different factors. It’s important to note that you should never tip less than 20%.

If you’re still unsure about how much to tip, here are some other things to keep in mind to help you decide.

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Do You Tip A Tattoo Artist?

As previously mentioned, in the United States, it’s typical to tip your tattoo artist, and most Americans give around 20% of the total tattoo cost as a tip.

Whether you should give a tip to your tattoo artist or not can vary based on the location.

In Canada, parts of Europe, and some other places around the world, it might not be as expected or as common to give a tip to your tattoo artist. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to ask the artist directly or do some research to see if tipping is customary in that area.

How Much To Tip For Small Tattoos

If you’re getting a small tattoo that costs around $100, it’s typical to tip your tattoo artist between 15-20% of the total cost. That means you could give a tip of around $15-$20.

While some people choose to tip 15%, it’s also common to tip 20% for a small tattoo. You don’t need to tip more than 20% for a small tattoo because it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort.

It’s usually best to keep your tip within the 15-20% range for a small tattoo.

How Much To Tip For Medium Tattoos

If you’re getting a medium-sized tattoo, it will usually cost you between $300-$600. Since these tattoos take more time and effort, it’s important to show your appreciation to your tattoo artist.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you tip between 20-25% for a medium tattoo.

If you’ve chosen an original design from the artist, it’s appropriate to tip 25%.

However, if you’re using a more common design, 20% is usually sufficient as a tip.

How Much To Tip For Large Tattoos

If you’re wondering how much to tip for a large tattoo, it’s recommended to tip between 25-30%. It’s better to tip higher than the standard 20% for other tattoos, as this is a bigger and more complex project.

A large tattoo is a big project that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources from your tattoo artist. It’s important to show your gratitude and tip them accordingly.

Large tattoos can cost anywhere between $1,000-$1,500, so you’ll want to factor in the tip when budgeting for the project. A tip of 25-30% will range from $200-$375, so it’s important to take this into account when planning your budget.

Remember, your tattoo artist is working hard to create a beautiful piece of art on your skin, so tipping them well is a great way to show your appreciation.

How Much To Tip For Big Projects

Getting a big tattoo like a full black or sleeve design is a significant project that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources from your tattoo artist. As a result, the cost of these projects can be quite high depending on where you’re getting the tattoo.

For big projects that cost anywhere between $2,000-$2,500 or more, it’s appropriate to tip between 25-30%.

When planning to get a big tattoo, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of the tip into your budget. This will help you understand the total cost of the tattoo and ensure that you’re able to tip your artist appropriately for their hard work.

For more details on tattoo pricing, see our article “How much does a tattoo cost?“.

Should You Tip After Every Tattoo Session?

For larger tattoos and big projects that take several days or weeks to complete, it’s appreciated if you tip after each session to show your appreciation for the artist’s ongoing effort. As mentioned previously, when it comes to tipping your tattoo artist, it’s important to consider the size and duration of the project.

If your tattoo project takes months to complete, you don’t necessarily have to tip after every single session.

The tattoo artist understands that it may not be practical or feasible to tip after each session for such a long project.

For small and medium tattoos, it’s customary to tip your artist after each session.

So, make sure you understand how much to tip before you go for your tattoo session and be sure to do it each time you visit your artist.

Summary

So, that was a comprehensive guide on how much you should tip your tattoo artist depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo.

In general, you should aim to tip between 20-30% of the total cost of your tattoo, with the tip increasing for larger and more complex tattoos that will take more time and effort to complete.

For instance, if you’re getting a big tattoo project, you should consider tipping on the higher end of the range to show appreciation for the artist’s hard work and time.

In any case, it’s important to keep in mind that a tip is a great way to show gratitude to your tattoo artist for their skills and time, so it’s always a good idea to be generous when tipping if you can afford to do so.

FAQ

How much do you tip for $100 tattoo?

In the US, it’s common to tip between 20-30% for a tattoo. For a $100 tattoo, this would typically mean tipping between $20-$30. However, the amount you choose to tip may vary depending on factors like the quality of the work and level of service you received.

How much should I tip for a $200 tattoo?

When getting a $200 tattoo in the US, it’s customary to tip between $40-$60, which falls within the 20-30% range of the total cost. However, the exact amount you choose to tip may depend on factors such as the quality of the work, the level of service provided, and your personal budget.

How much do you tip for a $500 tattoo?

In the US, it’s typical to tip between 20-30% for a tattoo. For a $500 tattoo, this would typically mean tipping between $100-$150. Ultimately, tipping is a way to show your appreciation for their work, and the decision of how much to tip is up to you.

How much do you tip for $1000 tattoo?

In the US, it’s customary to tip between 20-30% for a tattoo. For a $1000 tattoo, this would typically mean tipping between $200-$300. Ultimately, tipping is a way to show your appreciation for their work, and the decision of how much to tip is up to you.

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