Salon, spa & beauty tipping guide
Do you tip a tattoo artist?
Yes — tipping tattoo artists is expected in the U.S. 15%–25% of the session price is a common tipping range for tattoo artists, with 20% a widely cited reference point.
The short version
Tipping is strongly expected in U.S. tattooing, and the percentages run higher than most services because the price rarely reflects the unpaid work around the session. Consultation, custom drawing and revisions usually happen before the needle ever comes out.
U.S. tattoo tipping references generally sit between 15% and 25% of what the session cost, with 20% a widely cited reference point. Longer sessions, custom design work and touch-ups often push people toward the higher end.
How it's normally handled
Tip at the end of the session, directly to the artist, and tip on the session price rather than a deposit-adjusted balance. If the piece runs across multiple sittings, tip at each one rather than saving it all for the last.
What people actually tip tattoo artists
Typical U.S. range
15%–25% of the session price
Most common
20% of the session price
| Bill | 15% | most common20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $3.75 | $5 | $6.25 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $10 | $12.50 |
| $75 | $11.25 | $15 | $18.75 |
| $100 | $15 | $20 | $25 |
| $150 | $22.50 | $30 | $37.50 |
When to go above the range
Custom design work, long or physically demanding sessions, or an artist who reworked the design to get it right.
Common mistakes when tipping tattoo artists
- Tipping on the remaining balance instead of the full session price
- Forgetting that design time before the appointment is usually unbilled
- Skipping the tip on a touch-up that the shop provided free
Work out your own
How much should you tip a tattoo artist?
Enter what you actually paid and see where each option lands against the 15%–25% of the session price range — then pick the amount that feels right.
Calculate your tipFrequently asked
How much do you tip a tattoo artist?+
In the U.S., 15%–25% of the session price is a common tipping range for tattoo artists, with 20% a widely cited reference point. The typical range is 15%–25% of the session price, with 20% of the session price the most common reference point.
Is it rude not to tip a tattoo artist?+
Tipping tattoo artists is the norm in the U.S. The usual range is 15%–25% of the session price, but the final amount is still your decision.
When should you tip more than the usual range?+
Custom design work, long or physically demanding sessions, or an artist who reworked the design to get it right. In those situations people commonly go above 20% of the session price.
When is the tip usually given?+
Tip at the end of the session, directly to the artist, and tip on the session price rather than a deposit-adjusted balance. If the piece runs across multiple sittings, tip at each one rather than saving it all for the last.
What do people most often get wrong when tipping tattoo artists?+
Tipping on the remaining balance instead of the full session price. Others include: forgetting that design time before the appointment is usually unbilled; skipping the tip on a touch-up that the shop provided free.
How tippos thinks about it
tippos suggests entering the session price, comparing what each percentage actually works out to in dollars, and picking the one you're comfortable with — no option is preselected.
Sources
Ranges on this page come from these published guides. Sources reviewed .
- Vogue — Tipping Etiquette 101 — An undated guide; supports a 15%–20% tattoo reference and explains work that happens before a session.
- Byrdie — How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist — An undated guide; supports the broader 15%–25% range and 20% reference point.