How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make?

Discover how much tattoo artists earn in the UK, what training is needed, job levels, income potential, and the best studios to work for.

How Much Do Tattoo Artists Make? Salary, Training & Career Guide

Tattoo artists are skilled creatives who use ink to transform skin into a canvas. It’s a career that requires artistic flair, precision, and customer care—combined with hygiene and technical skill. Earnings can range from modest to six figures, depending on experience, reputation, and business savvy.

Here’s a full breakdown of how much tattoo artists make in the UK, how to become one, qualifications (if any), job structure, and where the best opportunities are in the industry.

Job Description: What Do Tattoo Artists Do?

Tattoo artists design and apply permanent body art using specialised equipment and ink. They often work in licensed studios and may operate as freelancers, employees, or business owners.

Responsibilities:

  • Consulting with clients about design ideas and placements

  • Creating original artwork or adapting reference designs

  • Sterilising equipment and maintaining hygiene standards

  • Applying tattoos using tattoo machines and needles

  • Managing bookings, deposits, and aftercare instructions

  • Following local health and safety laws

  • Updating portfolios and social media to attract clients

How Hard Is It to Become a Tattoo Artist?

Tattooing is difficult to break into. Most artists train through apprenticeships, which are often unpaid or low-paid for 1–3 years. You’ll need to develop exceptional drawing skills, hygiene knowledge, and fine motor control. Persistence, passion and patience are essential.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Artistic skill and creativity

  • Steady hands and precision

  • Patience and attention to detail

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills

  • Cleanliness and discipline

  • Ability to handle pressure and nervous clients

  • Strong work ethic, especially during the early unpaid phase

Do You Need Qualifications?

No formal academic qualifications are required. However, you must:

Legally:

  • Be registered with your local council as a tattooist

  • Hold a Studio Licence (if you own a shop)

  • Complete Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control training

  • Have a basic First Aid certificate

Training route:

  • Tattoo Apprenticeship (1–3 years) – learn under a licensed artist

  • Some artists start with art or design qualifications, but they’re not mandatory

  • Studio acceptance often depends more on your portfolio than grades

Career Levels and Specialisations

Apprentice - Learning the basics, assisting in studio

Junior Tattoo Artist - Tattooing under supervision

Resident Artist - Full-time in a licensed studio

Guest Artist - Travels between studios locally or abroad

Studio Owner - Runs their own shop or collective

Specialist / Renowned Artist - High-profile artist with unique niche

Specialisations:

  • Black and Grey Realism

  • Traditional / Neo-traditional

  • Portraiture

  • Linework / Fine-line

  • Japanese

  • Geometric / Mandala

  • Watercolour

  • Cover-ups / Scar tattoos / Medical tattoos

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Strong portfolio of original drawings (digital or hand-drawn)

  • Experience as a studio assistant or apprentice

  • Proven hygiene and setup knowledge

  • Consistency in linework, shading, colour blending

  • Social media presence helps build clientele and trust

Most start with sketching, painting or graphic design experience before entering tattooing.

Benefits of Being a Tattoo Artist

  • Creative and personal work

  • Freedom to freelance or travel

  • High earning potential, especially for well-known artists

  • Flexible schedule

  • Strong artist-client relationships

  • Option to open your own studio

  • No student debt, if trained via apprenticeship

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Training is unpaid or low-paid for years

  • Physically demanding – long hours, eye strain, back/hand pain

  • Income can be unpredictable, especially when starting out

  • No sick pay, holiday pay, or pension unless self-managed

  • High equipment costs

  • Risk of burnout or repetitive strain

Tattoo Artist Salary Levels in the UK

Apprentice (Unpaid/Low) -£0 – £8,000

Junior Artist - £12,000 – £20,000

Resident / Mid-level - £25,000 – £40,000

Senior / Popular Artist - £40,000 – £70,000+

Renowned or Celebrity Artist - £80,000 – £150,000+

Tax Example (Self-Employed, £50,000/year):

  • Income Tax: ~£7,432

  • National Insurance (Class 2 + 4): ~£4,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£38,419/year or £739/week

Tattoo artists can claim deductions on:

  • Ink, needles, machines

  • Studio rent / chair hire

  • PPE and cleaning supplies

  • Travel and promotion costs

  • Training and events (conventions)

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Location – London and major cities = higher rates

  • Experience and reputation

  • Specialisation and style

  • Social media and marketing

  • Studio setup – own vs rented chair

  • Client volume and pricing model (per hour vs per piece)

  • Merchandise or online prints – extra income streams

What’s the Future for Tattoo Artists?

Strong. Tattoos are now mainstream across age groups and cultures.

Emerging trends:

  • Medical tattoos (e.g. nipple reconstruction, scar camouflage)

  • Fine-line and micro styles growing in demand

  • AR and AI tattoo previews (try before you ink)

  • Sustainable and vegan inks

  • Digital marketing and NFT tattoo art

  • Collaboration with fashion, music and influencers

The industry is competitive—but with the right brand, consistency, and skill, you can build a thriving business.

Best Companies and Studios to Work For in the UK

Skunx (London) - Renowned multi-style studio

Love Hate Social Club (London) - High-profile guest artists

NR Studios (Bristol) - High-end black & grey realism

Red Point Tattoo (Birmingham) - Bold styles and strong apprenticeship routes

Thirteen Ink (Edinburgh) - Guest-friendly, high-end work

The Circle London - Diverse artist team and global guests

Self-employed (freelancer) - Highest income and freedom

Final Thought

Tattooing is a demanding but creative and profitable career for those with artistic drive, client skills and commitment to the craft. It’s not about formal qualifications—it’s about developing real-world skill, building a personal brand, and earning your spot in a trusted studio or creating one of your own.