Tattoo Tip Calculator

How much should you tip a tattoo artist?

Tip your tattoo artist 20%. For a $200 tattoo, that's $40. For a $500 piece, budget $100.

Here's what makes tattoo tipping different from most services: the shop takes a cut. Most artists work on a 40/60 or 50/50 split, so on a $300 session, the artist might only keep $150 after the studio gets its share. Your tip goes directly to them, no split. It's the most direct way to pay them for their work.

Tip 15% for standard line work or a simple design executed without issue. Tip 22–25% for custom artwork, complex shading, cover-ups, or when an artist went above and beyond. Never go below 10% for satisfactory work.

Factors that affect how much to tip

• Custom pieces require hours of drawing before you even sit down. Tip 22–25% for original art, less for flash off the wall.
• A 6-hour back piece is a very different job than a 30-minute wrist piece. The longer the session, the bigger the tip.
• Apprentices charge less but need tips just as much as senior artists. 25–30% is a fair way to acknowledge that.
• Cover-ups take extra skill and planning. Treat them like custom work, 20–25% minimum.
• Many studios charge 2–3% on card tips. Cash means your artist gets the full amount.

Tattoo tipping etiquette

For multi-session tattoos, tip at the end of every session, not just the last one. Cash is best. Hand it directly to your artist rather than leaving it at the front desk. And yes, tip the shop owner too. The old idea that you skip the owner's tip doesn't really apply anymore.

If something's off with your tattoo, say so before you leave. Most artists will want to fix it. Base your tip on how they handle it, not on your first reaction. The artist spent real time on your piece regardless.

No Tax on Tips: Since July 2025, tip income is federally tax-exempt for service workers earning under $160,000/year. Your tattoo artist benefits from tipping even more than before. 100% of your cash tip is now tax-free income for them.