🎨 Creative & Media ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Tattoo Artist

Tattoo artists create permanent body art — combining fine art skills with technical execution and client consultations. Top tattoo artists build loyal followings, charge premium rates, and work in sought-after studios or run their own shops, with income ceiling limited only by talent and reputation.

$39,000 Median Salary
41K US Jobs
1–3 years Training
$0–$5,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$20,000
Median
$39,000
Experienced
$100,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
41K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
State Tattoo License + Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
Required Credential
State Tattoo License + Bloodborne Pathogen Certification

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Apprenticeship under licensed tattoo artist
Program Length
1–3 years
Typical Tuition
$0–$5,000
Work Setting
Tattoo studios, self-employed
🏆 Credential Required: State Tattoo License + Bloodborne Pathogen Certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Tattoo Artist involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Tattoo studios environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Tattoo Artist by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC