A tattoo apprenticeship typically costs between $500 and $5,000, including BBP certification, supplies, and licensing. But that price doesn’t include some of the hidden costs that come with the career.
In this article, we’ll break down all the costs aspiring artists need to know about, including how your learning path (apprenticeship vs. tattoo school vs. online tattoo education) affects the cost.
Deciding on a tattoo apprenticeship is just one step in your career. See our complete guide to becoming a tattoo artist.
How Much is a Tattoo Apprenticeship vs. Tattoo School vs. Online Program?
| Tattoo Apprenticeship | Tattoo School | Artist Accelerator Program |
|---|---|---|
| "Free" - $10,000 | $2,000 - $10,000 | $597 or $59/mo |
| Full-time commitment (additional $15K+ in lost wages per year) | Multi-week program (estimated $2,610 in lost wages) + travel expenses | On your own time |
| Some equipment provided; buy your own machine $200+ | Some equipment provided; buy your own machine $200+ | Buy your own equipment; $250+ |
| Total: $15,200 - $25,200+ (for 1 year apprenticeship) | Total: $2,810 - $10,810 + travel expenses | Total: $847 |
“Absolutely amazing program. Coaches and instructors that are not only knowledgeable but reachable to answer any questions and guide you where you need to be. Tons of programs and classes for every need whether it be linework, packing color, or color theory. No limits.” - Amy Potter, Artist Accelerator student
How Much Is the Cost of a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
In a paid apprenticeship, you can expect to pay around $5,000 - $10,000 for your mentor’s time. If you’re getting a “free apprenticeship,” you’ll pay for your education by performing shop duties on top of learning to tattoo.
In a traditional tattoo apprenticeship, aspiring tattoo artists pay an experienced tattoo artist, a “mentor,” to teach them, or they will work in the shop for free in exchange for their education.
What are the benefits of a tattoo apprenticeship?
In a traditional tattoo apprenticeship, you get guidance from an experienced artist and will practice tattooing in the shop. An apprenticeship often translates over to a job tattooing in the studio.
As an apprentice, you also get a feel for working in a professional environment with real clients, which gives you the “real world experience” of working as a tattooer.
What are the negatives of a tattoo apprenticeship?
It is very difficult to get an apprenticeship because you need a strong portfolio before you ask, and if you do get one, hazing is common. Additionally, if you’re not paying for the apprenticeship, actual tattoo training usually does not begin until the second year.
Note
There is no “official” tattoo apprenticeship program. The artist teaches their tattoo apprentice what they think is best, on whatever timeline they choose. A tattoo apprenticeship at one studio will look very different than a tattoo apprenticeship at the next shop over.
How Long is a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
The average tattoo apprenticeship lasts 2.5 years, working 40-50 hours a week with no pay. However, how long a tattoo apprenticeship is ultimately up to your mentor.
The Cost of Your Time as a Tattoo Apprentice
If you were working a minimum wage job (instead of working for free as an apprentice), you would make $15,000 per year. Most apprentices take on a part-time job to pay bills, extending the workweek to 60-65 hours a week. Because of this, apprentices don’t have much time for friends, family, and relationships.
Should I Pay for a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
We don’t recommend it for most apprenticeships. But if you do, negotiate with your mentor to pay in milestones. Offer to pay more in total (ex: $7,000) and less money up front (ex: $2,000). Then, choose appropriate milestones when you will give them the second, third, fourth, etc. portion of the money.
This incentivizes your mentor to give you proper training on a timeline instead of stringing you along for free labor. It also protects you, because some mentors will take the $5,000 and fire the apprentice the following week, keeping the entire up-front fee.Total Approx. Cost
$15,200 - $25,200+ (per year) + Equipment
Non-Monetary Cost
Possibly abusive environment + social isolation + extensive work weeks
How Much Does Tattoo School Cost?
Tattoo school costs anywhere from $2,000 - $10,000, depending on the length of the mentor’s program. In this case, you’ll be learning in a group of students, usually on practice skins.
Most tattoo schools require a minimum of 360 hours in order to graduate (classes are usually 6 hours at a time on weekends).
What are the benefits of tattoo school?
Tattoo schools get you making money faster than a traditional apprenticeship and provide some hands on training. Many of these schools can help you get a work placement in one of their associated walk-in shops (basic, small tattoos) after graduation.
What are the negatives of tattoo school?
Tattoo schools teach you proper sanitation and cover simple designs - and only that. Tattoo school graduates usually need additional training or an apprenticeship to learn advanced tattooing techniques.
You will have to schedule time off of work and skip social events to attend the in-person classes. You will also be expected to pay fees upfront.
Additionally, tattoo school programs do not provide an art background or business skills. This is why many tattoo school graduates end up becoming a tattoo apprentice later on, to better understand the design aspect and how the tattoo industry works.How long is tattoo school?
360 hours working at the minimum wage amounts to $2,610 (remember, your time is money).
How much is tattoo school?
The average tattoo artist school cost is about $2,000 - $10,000 in tuition and course fees. You’ll also need some of your own supplies (estimated $200).
Total Approx. Cost
$4,810 - $12,810 + Equipment
Non-Monetary Cost
Missed work/social events + incomplete education
Can You Learn Tattooing Online?
The Artist Accelerator Program gives artists an easy-to-follow, 9-step system they can use to go pro while learning online at their own pace. Students also get feedback from tattoo instructors with years of industry experience.
What are the benefits of learning to tattoo online with Tattooing 101?
You can go from beginner to professional tattoo artist in as little as 90 days by diving into advanced tattoo techniques and getting feedback from tattoo artists. We also help get students jobs with our Studio Partners Program.
Having access to structured training and real mentorship means you get the flexibility to learn online without developing bad habits (one of the biggest risks for self-taught artists).
What are the negatives of learning with an online tattoo course?
You need to be self-motivated to do the online tattoo course.
There is no one creating practice opportunities for you, so it’s important to be disciplined and get hands on practice with your machine and fake skins before making the jump to real skin.How long is the Artist Accelerator tattoo course?
The Artist Accelerator allows you to cut out the time spent “earning your stripes” in an apprenticeship, provides more information than a tattoo school, and lets you work around your schedule.
You’ll learn using a proven, clear structure and get feedback from professional tattoo artists on your work.How Much Does Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program cost?
The Artist Accelerator Program offers payment plans: 12 installments of $59/month OR a one-time payment of $597.
Total Approx. Cost
$597 + equipment (see Equipment section)
Non-Monetary Cost
Time spent drawing and practicing.
The Artist Accelerator Program is amazing! Coming from watching free Tattooing 101 Youtube videos to the program content definitely is a huge upgrade. The guidance is clear and has helped shape the way I approached the art of tattooing. The content is very detailed and organized making learning easy and straight forward, all you have to do is apply yourself! Lastly, coming into the program I was met with a thriving community of people and mentors that keep moral and motivation up! Its well worth the investment!
Gerardo Aldana
What Certifications Do You Need to Become a Tattoo Artist?
While tattooing remains a fairly unregulated area of practice, doing the job correctly requires specific equipment and legal certifications.
- Most states do not require individuals to be licensed, but they do need to be registered under their licensed shop. (The licensed shop will need to be inspected by the local health department.)
Certifications
- OSHA-approved BBP (blood-borne pathogens) certification: $25-$50
- First-aid certification: $25-50
Vaccines
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: $60-$150 (without insurance)
Note
Different states have different laws. Some states require Red Cross first aid, while others require state-specific exams. The information above is the average requirement.
How Much Does Tattoo Equipment Cost?
*material prices may have changed since time of publishing
Digital Art Materials: ~$313.00
We recommend new tattoo artists begin learning to design digitally. Learning how to draw tattoos on an iPad is faster than learning how to paint flash, which means you can start building a tattoo portfolio sooner.
TOTAL: ~$313.00
Tattooing Equipment: ~$1700
- Stencil paper: $41.99
- Thermofax machine: $150.00
- Green soap: $4.99
- Disposable razors: $10.19
- Stencil stuff: $10.00
- Fake skin: $10.00/sheet
- Beginner rotary machine (Peak Solice): $250
- Rotary tattoo machine (Critical Torque 4.2mm): $800
- Inks:
- Fusion ink set: $450.00+
- Lining black: $22.00
- Grey wash: $79.99
- Station setup:
- Barriers or plastic wrap: $14.99
- Grip tape: $23.99
- Squeeze bottles: $4.50 each
- Paper towels: $38.96/case
- Ink caps: $20.99
- Machine bags: $10.99
- Isopropanol: $2.99
- Plastic cups: $8.99
- Vaseline: $13.45/pack
- Painters tape: $12.98
- Gloves: $8.99/box
- Eye loupe: $18.00
- Hand sanitizer: $10.89
- Dental bibs: $13.98
- Scissors: $9.75
- Massage table: $124.99
- Tattoo trolley: ~$200.00
- Tongue depressors: $6.49
TOTAL: ~1658.43*
*prices at the time of writing
Note:
Many tattoo shops will pay for their artists’ disposables.
Tattoo Cost FAQs
Do Apprentices Do Free Tattoos?
The first tattoos you do in the shop will likely be free on volunteers (like friends and family). At this point, you’re just getting hands on experience.
Can You Get Paid During a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Tattoo apprentices get paid once they start tattooing clients. During this time, they will be on an apprenticeship split (50/50 - giving half of their income to the shop).
This is a good time for apprentices to start building their own client base.
Is Tattoo School Worth It?
In-person tattoo school is worth it for artists who want to get the basics down fast. However, it’s important to know that tattoo schools do not issue tattoo licenses. Only state health departments can give you a tattoo license.
How Much Does a Tattoo License Cost?
In most states, tattoo artists pay a $100 - $200 licensing fee. In states that only require the studio to be licensed, the shop owner can expect to pay around $800 - $1000 for a yearly renewal.
Where Can New Tattoo Artists Buy Equipment?
Tattoo supply companies like Kingpin Tattoo Supply, Painful Pleasures, TatSoul, Solid Ink, and more sell directly to artists. In the past, artists would have to buy through the tattoo shop.
Do not buy needles or inks through Amazon or discount retail sites. There are lots of unsterilized knockoffs that look convincing.
Become a Tattoo Artist With the Artist Accelerator Program
Having a career in tattooing is not only fulfilling, but it’s also the most stable way to make a living as an artist. However, for decades, the process to become a tattoo artist has been notoriously difficult.
The apprenticeship process requires aspiring tattoo artists to work 50-60 hours a week without pay for 2-4 years. That, combined with the toxic culture of abusing apprentices, makes getting into the industry almost impossible for newcomers.
That’s why we created the Artist Accelerator Program. Our online course provides a simple, structured way of learning to tattoo that has been proven to work by over 8000 successful students, with many of them having gone on to open their own shops all around the world.
Inside the program, we’ll take you through every step of the tattooing process in 9 clear, easy-to-follow modules and support you along the way within the Tattooing 101 Mastermind online community.
In the Mastermind group, you’ll collaborate with other students, get answers to your questions, and receive personalized video feedback on your artwork and tattoos from professional tattoo artists. With this friendly community of both new and experienced tattoo artists, you’ll never be stuck again.
When you join the Artist Accelerator Program, you’ll have instant access to the full course and the Mastermind community, as well as our 30-Day Flash Challenge and recorded interviews with tattoo artists from all over the world.
Click here to learn more about the Artist Accelerator Program.
I’ve wanted to be a tattoo artist since I’ve moved 3 years ago and I didn’t make any real progress in my career until I join tattooing101 earlier this year it’s really helped me stay engaged and focused on what I want. If you’re stressed about all the different information you need to learn or you’re anxious on where to start tattooing101 is better then a great place to start!!
Talie Garcia
