Average Tattoo Cost

The average cost for a small tattoo like a heart or cross is $50 to $250. For a medium-sized tattoo like a tribal or portrait, expect to spend between $150 and $450. Hiring a tattoo artist typically costs $130 to $170 per hour, and prices depend on how long the work takes.

For a large tattoo, like a half or full sleeve, prices start at $500 and can go all the way up to $5,000+ for a full back or custom tattoo. As a rule of thumb, avoid getting a tattoo unless you're willing to pay at least $100 for it. Keep in mind most tattoo shops require a deposit unless it's a walk-in session.

According to Tattoo Master Artist Mr. Peck, average tattoo prices for most customers are around $200 to $350 with a $100 minimum. For up to 6 hours' worth of tattoos in one day, expect a tattoo price of $1,000 and more.

Your tattoo cost is an investment in permanent body art that you'll wear every day. The last thing you want is a bargain tattoo that you might have to pay double the cost to remove if you don't like it later. That's why the best tattoo artists work thoughtfully to create designs with long-lasting appeal. This guide provides general tattoo price ranges only.

Tattoo Prices

Average tattoo prices range from $50 to $100 for sizes under 2x2, between $100 and $200 for a 3x3, and around $250 or more for a 4x4 tattoo. Prices depend on where you live, the experience level of the artist, their hourly rates, and whether it's a custom tattoo.

Tattoo Prices By Size

Tattoo artwork size falls into either small, medium, or large.

1. Small – from a star the size of a dime on your wrist, to a pirate ship covering your deltoid, to a wedding ring tattoo.

2. Medium – from a koi fish swimming in a waterfall on your side, spanning from under your arm to your thigh.

3. Large – from a set of angel wings starting at your shoulders to the base of your back, to a complex story that covers your entire upper torso. This category also includes full and half-sleeve tattoos.

Many factors decide how much a tattoo is going to cost:

1. Where you live

2. The experience level of the artist

3. The equipment and the amount of ink they use

4. How long of a waiting list they have

5. The total amount of time it takes them to create your design and tattoo you

6. Your tattoo's body placement

7. The complexity of your tattoo artwork

Tattoo Cost Per Hour

Tattoo artists typically charge $80 to $250 per hour, with hourly rates averaging $130 to $170 depending on their skill level, the complexity of the tattoo, and how long of a waiting list they have.

For example, Floating Lotus Tattoo Studio in Portland charges a flat rate of $150 per hour, with over 15 years' experience. Clay Tattoos in Austin, Texas, charges a flat rate of $4.50 per minute.

Most artists work at different speeds. As a general rule of thumb, a more seasoned and talented artist with five or more years of professional experience could be faster than a less experienced artist.

Tattoo Cost Per Letter

Getting one short word tattoo that covers 2 to 4 square inches runs from $50 to $200, depending on the size of the letters, and usually takes an hour of work or less. Most artists don't charge on a per-letter basis. When you're talking to your tattoo artist, ask for their hourly rates and how long it would take to do a lettering tattoo in the size you want on a specific part of your body. Bring some samples of the fonts you like so that they understand what kind of details you're looking for.

Small Tattoo Cost

A small tattoo costs $50 to $250 on average for designs that cover 3 square inches of skin or less. Regardless of the size, you have to pay the shop minimum fee of around $50 or more, and then artists usually charge an hourly rate after the first hour. You may also pay extra for custom design work.

The Red Baron Ink studio in New York quotes a shop minimum of $100 for small tattoos, a flat rate of $250 to $500 for palm-size pieces, and hourly rates ranging from $200 to $300 per hour, which varies by artist.

Tiny Tattoo Cost

A tiny tattoo such as a wrist, finger, or wedding ring tattoo costs between $50 and $100 on average. If the design is intricate, or if it's in a hard-to-reach location such as your inner lip, expect to pay $200 or more for your tiny tattoo. Prices also depend on whether it's black-ink or color. Getting a black-ink only tattoo about the size of 1 to 2 fingerprints will cost you around $80 to $100.

Tattoo Cost Calculator

Any tattoo price calculator can, at best, give you a price range for tattoos somewhat similar to what you want in your neighborhood. To get started as you think about the design you want, you can use the information provided below to make your own calculations.