How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist
15–25%
Tip a tattoo artist 15–25% of the price. Custom designs involve drawing time you are not billed for, so 20% or more is common. On multi-session pieces, tip each session.
Tip$0.00
- Total with tip
- $0.00
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
20
Within the 15–25% range for tattoo artist.
Tipping tattoo artist: situation by situation
| Situation | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Small flash tattoo | 20%, min $10–20 |
| Custom piece | 20–25% |
| Multi-session sleeve | 15–20% each session |
| Free touch-up | $10–20 |
| Piercing | 15–20% |
Worth knowing
- Cash is preferred at many shops.
- A good review and photos tagged to the artist are a real bonus.
Questions people ask
Is it rude to not tip a tattoo artist?
In the US, tipping tattoo artists is customary, so skipping it is noticed. Tip unless the work was poor.
Do you tip for each session on a big piece?
Yes, tipping per session is the usual approach.