How To Calculate A Tip For A Tattoo? | A Beginners Guide (March 2025) (2025)

Learn how to calculate a tip for a tattoo with our beginner’s guide. Find out how much to tip your tattoo artist, how to calculate the tip amount and tips for tipping on a large or complex tattoo. Master the art of tipping with our expert advice.

Want to tip your tattoo artist but don’t know how much? Read this guide to learn how to calculate a tip for a tattoo and show your appreciation for their work.

Introduction:

Getting a tattoo is a great way to express yourself and show off your personality, but it’s not just about the design. It’s also important to tip your tattoo artist for their hard work and dedication. However, for many people, calculating a tip for a tattoo can be confusing, especially if you’re a first-timer. In this guide, we’ll show you how to calculate a tip for a tattoo, so you can show your appreciation for your artist and their craft.

How to Calculate a Tip for a Tattoo?

Calculating a tip for a tattoo can be a bit different than other services. Here are some things to keep in mind when figuring out how much to tip your tattoo artist:

1. Consider the artist’s skill and experience

Tattoo artists are highly skilled professionals who spend years honing their craft. When deciding how much to tip, take into account their level of expertise and the quality of their work. If you received a high-quality tattoo that you’re thrilled with, consider tipping on the higher end of the scale.

2. Factor in the complexity of the tattoo

If your tattoo was particularly complex or took a long time to complete, consider tipping more than you would for a simpler design. Keep in mind that some artists charge by the hour, so the longer the tattoo took, the more you should tip.

3. Consider the location

The cost of living and tattoo prices can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you live in a city with a high cost of living, you may want to tip more than you would in a smaller town. Likewise, if your tattoo artist works in a busy tourist area, they may have higher overhead costs, so a larger tip may be appreciated.

4. The industry standard for tipping

Tipping in the tattoo industry is generally around 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. If you’re unsure how much to tip, this is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Is it okay not to tip a tattoo artist?

No, it is not recommended to not tip a tattoo artist as it’s a customary practice to show appreciation for their hard work.

Should you tip based on the cost of the tattoo or the time it took to complete it?

You should tip based on both factors. If the tattoo was particularly complex or took a long time to complete, consider tipping more than you would for a simpler design.

Should you tip the same amount for touch-ups?

It’s not necessary to tip as much for touch-ups as the original tattoo, but a smaller tip is still appreciated.

Should I tip more for a larger or more complex tattoo?

It’s generally considered good etiquette to tip more for a larger or more complex tattoo, as the artist has put in more time and effort to create the design. You may also want to tip more if you are particularly pleased with the quality of the work. You can use our Tattoo Tip Calculator for getting exact figures.

How much should I tip a tattoo artist per hour?

While it’s not common to tip a tattoo artist per hour, you can estimate the tip amount by using the standard tipping rate of 15% to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. If your tattoo artist charges $200 per hour and your tattoo takes three hours to complete, the total cost of the tattoo would be $600. A 20% tip on that amount would be $120.

How much should I tip a tattoo apprentice?

Tipping an apprentice is not mandatory, but it’s always appreciated as they are still in the early stages of their career. The standard tipping rate for a tattoo apprentice is between 10% to 15% of the total cost of the tattoo.

How much should I tip on a $700 tattoo?

The standard tipping rate for a tattoo is between 15% to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. For a $700 tattoo, a 15% tip would be $105, and a 20% tip would be $140. However, the amount you choose to tip ultimately depends on your satisfaction with the tattoo and the quality of service provided by the artist.

Conclusion:

Tipping your tattoo artist is an important way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. By considering the artist’s skill and experience, the complexity of the tattoo, and the location, you can figure out how much to tip. Remember, the industry standard for tipping in the tattoo industry is around 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. So, the next time you get inked, use these tips to calculate a tip for your tattoo artist and show them how much you appreciate their craft.

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How To Calculate A Tip For A Tattoo? | A Beginners Guide (March 2025) (2025)
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