Why Becoming a Tattoo Artist Feels Impossible (And How to Fix It)
May 30, 2025
Because you deserve a creative career that pays the bills—and then some
So, you’re passionate about art, obsessed with ink, and dreaming about becoming a Tattoo Artist—but one little voice keeps whispering about how to make a living as a Tattoo Artist:
“Yeah, but can you make a living doing this?”
It’s a fair question. Whether you’re 19 and trying to avoid a soul-sucking job—or 39 and plotting your escape from one—you want to know if tattooing is a viable career. Not just a hobby. Not just a passion project. But a real, sustainable income.
Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re diving into the actual income potential of being a Tattoo Artist—no fluff, no guesswork. It’s just the real talk you’ve been looking for.
Is Tattooing a “Real Job”?
Let’s squash this one first.
Yes. Tattooing is a real job—and a great one. It’s a licensed, regulated profession that combines creativity, technical skill, health and hygiene knowledge, and client communication. The best part? It’s growing.
The U.S. tattoo industry is worth over $3 billion annually, with nearly 30% of Americans sporting at least one tattoo, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center report. And the demand isn’t slowing down.
From Gen Z trendsetters to Gen X parents getting inked for the first time, the tattoo boom shows no signs of fading. More people want tattoos, which means more demand for skilled artists—aka job security for you.
How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make?
Let’s talk numbers. On average, a Tattoo Artist in the U.S. earns between $30,000 and $100,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (under the “Skincare Specialists” category, which includes body art professionals). That number grows significantly as you gain experience and build your clientele.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
| Experience Level | Estimated Income |
| Beginner | $30,000–$50,000/year |
| Intermediate | $50,000–$80,000/year |
| Experienced/Pro | $80,000–$120,000+/year |
And that’s just base income. Many Tattoo Artists earn 15–25% more from tips, especially in busy studios or during high-traffic seasons.
Tattoo Artists who specialize in high-demand styles—like realism, color portraits, or micro tattoos—can charge $150–$300+ per hour. Some of the top professionals in the world charge upwards of $1,000 per session. It’s not too shabby for a career that starts with your sketchbook.
How Do Tattoo Artists Get Paid?
Most Tattoo Artists are independent contractors, meaning they’re self-employed and manage their income. That gives you freedom—and responsibility.
There are three common ways Tattoo Artists earn money:
- Commission Split – You work in a shop and split your income with the owner (typically 50/50 or 60/40).
- Booth Rental – You rent a station in a studio and keep 100% of what you earn.
- Studio Ownership – You open your shop, which offers the highest potential (and highest risk).
The more experience and reputation you build, the more leverage you have to set your rates, book clients, and scale your income. And don’t forget: Tattoo Artists can also sell art, design merch, offer flash tattoos, and take on private commissions—adding even more income streams.
What About Tattoo Apprentices— Do They Get Paid?
Here’s where it gets real.
In traditional tattoo apprenticeships, you often don’t get paid. In fact, you may spend a year or two cleaning, answering phones, and watching others tattoo—without getting a chance to learn hands-on. It’s the “old school” model, and while it works for some, it leaves many feeling stuck and unsupported.
That’s why more artists choose structured tattoo apprenticeship programs—like the one we offer at Ink Different Tattoos. Our approach provides real training, one-on-one mentorship, live tattoo practice, and a clear career path—no grunt work required.
And yes, it ends with a guaranteed job offer (we’ll get to that shortly!).
Can You Make a Living as a Tattoo Artist?
Short answer? Absolutely.
Tattooing offers one of the few creative careers where you can make a great income without needing a college degree or going deep into debt. And the earning potential increases as your skills grow.
Why?
- You set your hours.
- You control your pricing.
- Your art has real value.
- You build a loyal clientele.
- Your name = your brand.
According to a ZipRecruiter report, Tattoo Artists in high-demand cities like New York and Los Angeles can earn over $150,000 annually. Even in smaller towns, experienced artists report six-figure incomes through a mix of hourly rates, appointments, flash sales, and creative add-ons.
But what if I just start tattooing?
Great! Every top Tattoo Artist started where you are now: unsure, excited, and asking the right questions. The key to making a living as a Tattoo Artist isn’t magic—it’s proper training, consistent practice, and a plan. That’s precisely why we created Ink Different Tattoos.
What’s the Ink Different Community Like?
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we’re all about community. We don’t just want to train you and send you off into the world. We want you to be part of our family—a family that’s as passionate about tattoos and creativity as you are. We’re here to support you, inspire you, and make sure you succeed every step of the way.
From Ink Master to Industry Leaders: How Reality TV and Social Media Are Shaping Tattooing Today
Master Mentorship Program
Boost Your Tattoo Career with Elite Training
For aspiring tattoo artists looking to refine their craft, expand their skill set, and push their careers to new heights, the Master Mentorship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity. This exclusive program connects you with world-renowned tattoo artists like Liz Cook, Robbie Ripoll, Gabe Jaksich, and other industry legends for personalized, high-level mentorship.
Whether you want to perfect your technique, develop a signature style, master new tattooing methods, or prepare to open your own studio, this program provides hands-on guidance and insider knowledge to help you achieve your goals. With expert feedback, tailored instruction, and real-world business insights, you'll gain the tools and confidence needed to stand out in the competitive tattoo industry.
Join the Master Mentorship Program and unlock your full potential as an artist. Your next level starts here.
Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different
Ink Different Tattoo School prides itself on offering a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program that sets aspiring Tattoo Artists on the path to success. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training, guidance, and support to help our apprentices develop their skills and artistic vision. With experienced Tattoo Artists as mentors, apprentices at Ink Different learn the art of tattooing in a creative and inspiring environment.
Enrolling in a tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different Tattoos can be highly beneficial for aspiring tattoo artists looking to break into this vibrant industry. Ink Different Tattoos is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent. Under the guidance of experienced artists, apprentices at Ink Different Tattoos can learn not just the technical skills of tattooing but also gain insights into client interactions, design principles, and studio management. This comprehensive training prepares apprentices not only to create beautiful tattoos but also to thrive in the competitive world of tattooing.
Ink Different Tattoos: A New Path for Aspiring Tattoo Artists
Ink Different Tattoos' apprenticeship provides a structured and supportive environment for aspiring tattoo artists to develop their skills. Our program is designed to take tattoo apprentices from beginners to professional tattoo artists, ensuring they receive hands-on training, business knowledge, and artistic mentorship from experienced tattoo artists. Unlike traditional tattoo apprenticeships that often lack structure or require unpaid labor, our program is dedicated to providing an inclusive and professional learning experience. We aim to empower tattoo apprentices by giving them the skills, confidence, and expertise they need to thrive in the competitive tattoo industry.
Guaranteed Job Offer: Security for Your Tattooing Career
One of the unique advantages of training with Ink Different Tattoos is our guaranteed job offer upon completing our tattoo apprenticeship program. We believe in investing in our tattoo apprentices, ensuring they have a clear career path after training. By offering tattoo apprentices the opportunity to transition directly into professional tattoo studios, we eliminate the uncertainty many aspiring tattoo artists face when entering the industry. This job guarantee provides peace of mind, allowing our apprentices to focus on honing their craft without worrying about their next steps in the profession.
Ink Different Speaks Your Language
At Ink Different, we take pride in making tattoo education accessible to a diverse range of apprentices. Our locations in New York City, Chicago, Tampa, Greenville, Orlando, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale offer Spanish-speaking training, ensuring that language is never a barrier to learning. Additionally, we have Portuguese-speaking programs available in Dallas and Orlando, catering to an even broader community of tattoo artists looking to hone their craft in a supportive environment.
By offering multilingual instruction, we ensure that our tattoo apprentices receive the best possible training experience, no matter their background or preferred language.
The Future of Tattooing
The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, shaped by reality TV and social media. While Ink Master introduced tattooing to mainstream audiences and provided exposure to tattoo artists, social media has now taken over as the dominant force in self-promotion. However, no matter how much technology changes, one thing remains constant: authenticity matters.
For aspiring tattoo artists, the best path forward is a balance of tradition and innovation. Learning the fundamentals, networking with real clients, and staying true to their artistic identity will always be more valuable than chasing viral trends.
As the industry moves forward, the most successful artists will be those who can blend old-school craftsmanship with new-school marketing—without losing the soul of the art form.
