How Much to Tip Tattoo Artist
Tip your tattoo artist 15-25%. Tip your tattoo artist 15-25% of the session cost. For multi-session pieces, tip at the end of each session. Cash is strongly preferred in tattoo shops.
Recommended Tip
15–25%
of the service total
Tattoo Artist Tip Amounts by Bill Size
| Bill | 15% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| $200.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 |
| $300.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| $500.00 | $75.00 | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| $800.00 | $120.00 | $160.00 | $200.00 |
Tattoo Artist Tipping Etiquette
- +Tip 20% for standard work, 25% for exceptional detail
- +Tip at the end of each session for multi-session pieces
- +Cash tips are strongly preferred
- +If the artist is the shop owner, still tip — tattoo culture expects it
- +Consider tipping more for custom designs (the artist spent unpaid hours designing)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you tip a tattoo artist?
Tip your tattoo artist 15-25% of the session cost. For a $200 tattoo, tip $30-$50. For complex custom work with exceptional detail, tip 25%. Cash is the standard in most tattoo shops.
Do you tip a tattoo artist who owns the shop?
Yes, unlike some service industries, you should tip tattoo artists even if they own the shop. Tipping is deeply embedded in tattoo culture regardless of ownership.
Should you tip for a tattoo touch-up?
If the touch-up is free (most artists offer free touch-ups for their work), tip $20-$50 for the artist's time. If you're paying for the touch-up, tip 15-20% as usual.
Need to Split a Tip?
Use our free tip calculator to split any bill with tax and tip between any number of people.
Open Tip Calculator