Tattoo Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Tip Your Artist?
Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
Yes. Tipping your tattoo artist is standard practice in the US, just like tipping at a restaurant or a hair salon. While not legally required, it's expected and deeply appreciated.
Tattoo artists are skilled professionals who spend years mastering their craft. A good tip shows respect for their time, talent, and the permanent art they just put on your body.
How Much Should You Tip?
The standard range is 15–25% of the total cost, with 20% being the most common.
| Tattoo Cost | 15% Tip | 20% Tip | 25% Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
| $250 | $37 | $50 | $63 |
| $500 | $75 | $100 | $125 |
| $1,000 | $150 | $200 | $250 |
| $2,500 | $375 | $500 | $625 |
When to Tip More (20–25%+)
- The artist went above and beyond on the design
- They fit you in on short notice
- The session was particularly long or complex
- You're thrilled with the result
- It's a multi-session piece and you want to maintain a great relationship
When 15% Is Acceptable
- The experience was fine but not exceptional
- The artist owns the shop (they keep 100% of the tattoo fee — more on this below)
- You're on a tight budget but still want to show appreciation
Cash vs. Card Tips
Cash is king for tattoo tips. Here's why:
- Artists receive it immediately, no processing fees
- It may not be reported as taxable income (that's the artist's choice)
- It's the traditional and preferred method in the industry
That said, many shops now accept tips on card. If cash isn't an option, tipping on card is absolutely fine — it's always better than not tipping at all.
Do You Tip the Shop Owner?
This is a common question. If the artist owns the shop, they keep 100% of your tattoo fee (minus overhead), so the financial need for a tip is lower. However:
- It's still appreciated and considered good etiquette
- Most clients still tip shop owners 15–20%
- When in doubt, tip. It's never wrong to show appreciation
If the artist rents a booth or works on commission, they typically keep 40–60% of the fee. Tips go directly to them and make a real difference in their income.
When to Tip on Multi-Session Pieces
For tattoos that require multiple sessions:
- Tip after each session, not just at the end
- Base the tip on the cost of that individual session
- Consistent tipping builds goodwill and keeps you in the artist's good graces for priority booking
What If You're Not Happy With the Tattoo?
This is tricky. If the tattoo has genuine quality issues:
- Talk to the artist first — Most will offer to fix any problems
- A smaller tip (10–15%) acknowledges their time while signaling you weren't fully satisfied
- Skipping the tip entirely should be reserved for truly poor experiences — wrong design, unprofessional behavior, or unsanitary conditions
If the issue is minor and fixable, tip normally and discuss touch-ups.
Other Ways to Show Appreciation
Beyond tipping:
- Leave a positive review on Google or their social media — this helps them get more clients
- Refer friends — Word of mouth is huge in the tattoo industry
- Share their work on your social media and tag them
- Be a good client — Show up on time, be clear about what you want, and follow aftercare instructions
Quick Tipping Rules
- Standard tip: 20% of the total cost
- Always tip in cash when possible
- Tip after each session for multi-session work
- Tip the owner too — it's still expected
- Never skip the tip unless the experience was genuinely bad
The Bottom Line
Tattoo artists pour their skill, time, and creativity into every piece. A 20% tip is the standard way to say thank you. Budget for it when planning your tattoo — it's part of the cost.
Planning your next tattoo? Find top-rated artists on InkLink and budget accordingly.