Most tattoo projects cost between $50.00 and $3,000 per session, with a typical price near $250. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical tattoo cost
$50.00 – $3,000
per session · typical $250
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Tattoo cost breakdown
- Small tattoo (2–3 inches)$50.00 – $200typical $100
- Half sleeve$500 – $1,500typical $1,000
- Full back$2,000 – $5,000typical $3,000
What Tattoos costs
Tattoo pricing is usually by hour ($100–$300) or a flat piece rate. Small tattoos start around $50–$100, while large custom pieces run $500–$3,000+. Quality artists charge more.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
What affects tattoo price?
Artist's skill, shop location, design complexity, and time. Custom work costs more than flash designs.
How can I save money?
Avoid cheap artists—bad tattoos are costly to fix. Ask for a quote, plan a smaller design, or wait for a shop's special.
Is it cheaper per session?
Some artists charge a daily or session rate. Large pieces may require multiple sessions, each costing $300–$800.