A tattoo artist makes anywhere from $40 to $250 an hour.
According to Simply Hired, the overall national average median salary for tattoo artists in 2010 is $32,000 annually. However, this figure can vary from case to case depending upon a number of factors including level of skill, experience and whether you are a self-employed tattoo studio owner or an independent contractor working on commission. In either scenario, career and employment statistics are available online to help you get an idea of what the average salary of a tattoo artist may be in a particular niche.
Typical Hourly Rates
The amount of money you can expect to earn as a tattoo artist will be determined in part by what the current hourly rate of service is and what hourly rate is charged by the studio you work for. In 2010 the typical hourly rate for tattooing is between $80 and $125 per hour. However, increased rates may apply for custom designs or tattoos created by well-known established artists in the field. Celebrity tattoo artists such as Kat Von D, Paul Booth and Brandon Bond are known to charge between $350 and $500 per hour and have waiting lists of up to three years.
Working In A Studio
Tattooists who work in shops and studios are typically paid a commission or percentage of the hourly rate charged by the proprietor. In most instances, the tattoo shop will provide you with necessary materials such as a work station, inks, needles and latex gloves. As a studio tattoo artist the amount of your commission may vary according to your level of skill and experience. Generally, commissions range between 30 and 50 percent of the tattoo price. PayScale.com reports that in 2010 the range of salary for tattooists working in studios is from $22,404 to $45,731 per year.
Studio Owner's Salary
Many tattoo artists bypass working in a shop to earn more money as studio owners. Though you can earn additional income by collecting up to 50 percent of the earnings of your employees --- and 100 percent of your own earnings --- you must take into consideration the overhead expenses associated with running the shop. You will be required to sponsor all advertising, provide liability insurance, your own health benefits and supplies and materials for your tattooists. According to PayScale.com the average yearly salary for tattoo studio owners is between $33,129 and $56,500.
Benefits
Much like most other commission based independent contractor positions, tattoo artists are typically offered no benefits and are responsible for paying their own taxes and providing their own health benefits and retirement plans. In 2010 PayScale.com statistics show that 91 percent of tattooists working for studios receive no benefits whatsoever. Nine percent receive medical benefits, seven percent receive dental and only five percent receive vision. Shop owners have slightly higher statistics with 31 percent receiving medical, 23 percent receiving dental and 15 percent receiving vision benefits.
Tattoo Apprenticeships
By law, practicing the art of tattooing requires no formal education. However, most professional tattoo artists are required to complete an apprenticeship prior to beginning their career. During an apprenticeship you'll have little if any income at all. In fact, some apprenticeships require that you pay your mentor. Typically, tattoo apprentices enter in an agreement with an established tattoo studio that states that she will be taught the art by studio artists in exchange for working in the shop and assisting professional tattoo artists. As an apprentice you may have the opportunity to tattoo customers as "practice" however the shop will receive payment for your work. The only payment that tattoo apprentices receive are occasional tips from clients.
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