How to calculate the price of a tattoo?
Today we’ll talk about factors that determines the price of a tattoo in 2026-2027.
Below, you’ll find photo examples of tattoos along with their estimated pricing. These examples will help you visually understand how various factors, such as size, complexity, and body placement, influence the final price.
Here’s the hourly rate formula:
Price = (Hourly Rate) × (Time Required) + (Additional Fees for Complexity/Color/Placement)
Many tattoo artists charge a flat rate for each tattoo. I really think you should read the whole article to understand how artists come up with their rates.
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What determines the price of a tattoo?
The price of a tattoo can depend on several factors, including the artist’s skill level, size, placement on your body, and the complexity of the design. Before we dive into details, here’s a quick breakdown.
The hourly rates provided below are just for comparison, most small and medium tattoos are priced by the piece!
Updated: 10/1/2026 – In 2027 some rates will go up due to inflation. Mostly Junior and Experienced. Pro artists’ rates will stay at the same level.
Artist Experience
- Junior Artist (1-3 years): $70-$130 per hour
- Experienced Artist (5+ years): $150-$300 per hour
- Pro or Famous Artist: $300-$500 per hour
Tattoo Size and Cost
- Tiny Tattoos (Under 2 inches): $100 – $200
- Medium Tattoos (3-6 inches): $350 – $850
- Large Tattoos (7-9 inches): $1000 – $1900
- XXL / Sleeve Tattoos: $3,500 – $12,000+
Other Factors
- Design Complexity: More detail = higher cost. An outline of a tattoo will cost significantly less than a full-color realistic tattoo of the same size.
- Location on Body: Some areas are tougher to tattoo (like ribs, neck, hands, fingers, face etc.), which increases time and price.
So, we talked about the things that affect how much a tattoo costs. Now let’s take a closer look at each one.
Tattoo Artist Skill Level & Pricing
When it comes to tattoo pricing, one of the biggest factors is the artist’s experience. Whether you’re getting inked by a junior artist, an experienced tattoo artist, or an award-winning pro, their skill level will impact the cost.
Let’s take a look at what different level artists charge.
Junior Artists
- Price Range: Typically lower, ranging from $50 to $130 per hour / $500 to $1000 per full day
- Why: If you are looking for an affordable rate, then a junior artist is a great choice. These artists are still building their portfolios. The quality of their work is okay, but they are slower than experienced tattooers.
Experienced Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $150 to $300 per hour / $1200 to $1900 per full day
- Why: They have refined skills and can handle intricate work. Also, you’ll get a very good quality tattoo with less time in the chair, which means less pain.
Pro Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $300+ per hour / $2000 to $3500 per full day
- Why: Pro tattoo artists are the top tier of tattooists. They have won awards or gained recognition in the tattoo community. Their expertise and custom artwork come at a premium price, and they may have a long waiting list.
Basic Tattoos Cost by Size and Skill Level
Size matters when it comes to tattoo pricing. Bigger tattoos take more time and skill, driving up the cost.
| Tattoo Size | Junior Artist | Experienced Artist | Pro Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny (Less than 2 inches) | $75 – $100 | $150 – $200 | N/A |
| Small (2-4 inches) | $150 – $300 | $200 – $450 | $400-1000 |
| Medium (4-6 inches) | $300 – $600 | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Large or 1 Full day (7-12 inches) | $500 – $1000 | $900 – $1,900 | $2000 – $3,500 |
| Sleeve or Multiple Session Tattoo | $1500 – $3500+ | $3,500 – $8000+ | $7,500 – $12000+ |
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Design Complexity, Body Placement & Cost
- Simple Designs: Less time, lower cost.
- Detailed, Custom, or Multi-Color Designs: More time, higher cost.
- Delicate Areas (ribs, neck, hands etc.): Expect higher rates for these areas due to difficulty.
- Easier Areas (arms, legs): More affordable.
Why?
- Placement affects pricing, as some areas of the body are harder to work on or more sensitive, requiring extra skill and precision.
- The intricacy of the tattoo plays a major role in cost. Simple black-line tattoos cost less, while detailed or multi-colored designs demand more time and effort.
Photo Examples of Tattoos with Pricing in Los Angeles
The photos show examples of tattoo sizing, complexity, and placement, but they don’t show the difference in quality between the tattoos done by junior, experienced, and pro artists.
Small Script Tattoo
- Size: 2 inches (5cm)
- Junior Artist: $100
- Experienced: $150 – 250
- Pro: N/A
Small Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 2 inches (7 x 5 cm)
- Junior Artist: $150 – 250
- Experienced: $250 – 400
- Pro: N/A
Small Realistic Tattoo
- Size: 3 inches (7 – 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $200 – 250
- Experienced: $300 – 400
- Pro: $400 – 500
Small Color Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 1.5 inches (6 x 3 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced: $350 – 450
- Pro: $400 – 500
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Medium Script Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 5 inches (7 x 13 cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 500
- Pro: $500 – $800
Medium Outline Tattoo
- Size: 3.5 x 4 inches (7 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced: $350 – 450
- Pro: $500 – 600
Medium Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 3 inches (7 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 500
- Pro: $600 – $800
Medium Realism Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $450 – 600
- Pro: $600 – 800
Medium Color Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $450 – 550
- Pro: $600 – 800
Medium Traditional Tattoo
- Size: 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 550
- Pro: $600 – $800
Medium Neo Traditional
- Size: 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 12cm)
- Junior Artist: $400 – 500
- Experienced: $700 – 850
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
Medium High Detail Color
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (11 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced: $700 – 950
- Pro: $1000 – $1300
All prices listed are approximate. The price of each tattoo is determined individually, whether you get a quote online or in person.
Medium Portrait Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 4 inches (7 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $500 – 700
- Pro: $800 – 1100
Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced: $700 – 900
- Pro: $900 – $1300
Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced: $700 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
Medium Water Color
- Size: 5 x 4 inches (13 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced: $800 – 900
- Pro: $900 – $1300
Large Fine Line Tattoo
- Size: 7 x 3 inches (18 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $ 500 – 600
- Experienced: $700 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
One Large Fine Line
- Size: 8 x 4 inches (20 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $600 – 800
- Experienced: $800 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – $1300
Large Portrait Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $ 700 – 900
- Experienced: $1200 – 1800
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Color Portrait
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $1500 – 1900
- Pro: $2000 – 3000
Large Color Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $1200 – 1800
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Color Anime Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1000
- Experienced: $1200 – 1600
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
XL Forearm + Hand Tattoo
- Size: 12 x 6 inches (30 x 15 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $1200 – 1400
- Experienced: $1500 – 2400
- Pro: $2500 – 3500
Large Lower Leg Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1000
- Experienced: $1200 – 1600
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Floral Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $700 – 900
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,600
- Pro: $2,000 – 2,500
Large Detailed Hip Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1,000
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,600
- Pro: $2,000 – 2,500
XL Black & Gray Tattoo
- Size: 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $ 1,000 – 1,200
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,800
- Pro: $2,000 – 3,500
XL Upper Arm
- Size: 12 x 7 inches (30 x 18 cm)
- Sessions: 1.5 – 2
- Junior Artist: $1,300 – 1,600
- Experienced: $1,800 – 2,500
- Pro: $3,000 – 5,000
Get up to 20% discount for XXL tattoo. Mention this secret code “XXL-PRICED” when inquiring.
*For new clients only. You must mention this code in your initial inquiry.
XXL Sleeve + Chest Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $8000 – $12,000
- Pro: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 2.5 – 3.5
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $3600 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $8000
XXL Color Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
XXL Color Sleeve Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $9000 – $12,000
- Pro: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Color Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
XXL B&G Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
Why People Choose Our Studio in Los Angeles?
Our goal is to find a perfect match for you. We work with more than 20 artists which allow us to find a solution for your specific budget and tattoo style you love!
- 5 Star Rated Studio with over 550+ reviews
- We maintain the highest standards of hygiene and customer service.
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees.
- Custom designs tailored to your style.
