How Much Does a Small Tattoo Cost?

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If you’re reading this, you’re obviously thinking about getting a small tattoo and wondering how much does a small tattoo cost?

Well, the good news is that small tattoos are generally much less expensive and they can still provide just as much satisfaction as a larger tattoo.

The bad news, however, is that there’s no easy answer to your question.

Like any industry, the tattoo industry is filled with different shops and artists, where some charge more and some charge less for tattoos of different sizes, styles, and design complexity.

And we’ve often seen people visit a tattoo shop only to walk out disappointed when they find out how much a tattoo costs.

So, just so you can avoid sticker shock when you do go to book your appointment, we’ve put together the following guide on how small tattoos are priced out.

Let’s jump in!

How Much Do Small Tattoos Cost?

Small tattoos generally cost anywhere from $50-$100, which is usually right around what most artists and tattoo parlors call their shop minimum.

A shop’s minimum charge refers to the lowest price they’ll charge for a tattoo, no matter how long the tattoo takes or how small you want your new tattoo to be.

So even if you’re only looking to get a tiny tattoo on your finger, for example, you’ll still be charged this flat rate.

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Factors That Influence Tattoo Pricing

Most tattoo shops use a range of factors to determine how much a small tattoo costs. This typically includes the time involved, the artist’s experience, tattoo size, and the type ink you want used for your piece.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the costs involved in pricing a small tattoo.

• Artist’s experience – Probably the biggest determining factor for the total cost of a small tattoo is the artist’s skill level and their hourly rate. Experienced artists generally charge higher prices for their time, whereas apprentices and newer artists won’t charge a premium price.
• Tattoo size – Obviously, you’re looking to get a small tattoo. But just how small you want it is another of the biggest factors that contributes to the final price. As mentioned, most shops have a minimum charge for small tattoos, even if you just want something tiny.
• Custom designs – Artists typically charge more for custom tattoo styles with more details and design complexity. The higher cost is due to the artist’s time spent planning and drawing your tattoo before actually tattooing you. On the other hand, flash tattoos make great small tattoos that often cost less because they’re already drawn.
• Tattoo ink – Colored tattoos that are done with multiple ink colors often cost more than basic black and gray tattoos. Colored tattoo inks are generally more expensive. So your artist might charge more if using them.
• Geographical location – Artists charge more for their work when they’re located in larger cities like San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles, for example. On the other hand, if you’re able to find a good tattoo artist in a smaller city and you’re willing to make the drive, you can sometimes find better prices for small tattoos.
• How many sessions – Another big factor that will determine the final price is how many hours and the number of sessions needed to complete your tattoo. But since you’re looking to get a smaller tattoo, your artist will likely be able to complete the piece within an hour or two. So don’t worry about multiple session costs. That is, unless you’re going back in for touch ups.

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How To Price Out A Small Tattoo

So as you can see, there really are a number of factors that can influence the cost of a small tattoo. But without knowing more detail about the piece you have in mind, it’s virtually impossible to know how much your piece will cost in total.

Small tattoos are less expensive, in general. But different artists charge different rates. So you’ll need to speak to a tattoo artist to get a better idea of cost.

Finally, it’s important to remember the old saying: “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.”

There’s nothing wrong with getting a smaller tattoo. But just don’t get a small tattoo because you’re too cheap to pay for something bigger. So when thinking about how to prepare for a tattoo, just remember that the price is almost just as important as the piece itself.

Unless you want to undergo laser removal or get a cover up later on, it’s often worth paying a bit more for a good, even if it’s smaller. You don’t want to end up on one of those tattoo horror stories shows, do you?

Here’s a quick recap of the factors that can influence the cost of your small tattoo:

• Shop’s minimum charge
• Artist’s experience and skill level
• Tattoo size
• Custom design vs. flash art
• Ink colors
• The shop’s geographic region

Frequently Asked Questions – How Much Does A Small Tattoo Cost?

By now you should have a better idea of how much tattoo artists charge for smaller tattoos. But just in case there’s anything we’ve missed, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

What is the minimum hourly rate tattoos artists charge for small tattoos?

The average flat rate for smaller tattoos is usually somewhere between $50-$100. Many tattoo artists have a minimum price they’ll charge you for a small tattoo, no matter what size it is or how long it takes them to do it. On the other hand, for larger pieces like half sleeves or full sleeves, an artist might quote you an hourly rate instead, which can be anywhere between $100-$300 per hour.

Are there any additional costs I should know about if getting a small tattoo?

No. Before they get started on your tattoo, your artist should clearly explain to you how much they’re going to charge. Good artists won’t quote you one price and then charge you another price once the piece is done claiming that it’s because of any type of additional costs. The initial quote you get from an artist should be the full price for your tattoo and any potential touch ups, no matter what size you want it the piece to be.

Should I get a small, cheap tattoo?

Yes, you should get a tiny tattoo if that’s what you’re interested in getting. There’s nothing wrong with getting a small tattoo, especially if it’s your first one and you don’t want to go all in on a larger tattoo. Small tattoos are generally less expensive, but they can still provide just as much satisfaction when done by a professional and experienced tattoo artist.

How much does an average tattoo cost?

Each tattoo shop is different, but even for small tattoos, you should expect to pay the shop’s minimum cost, which is usually somewhere around $50-$75. For medium tattoos, you should expect to pay between $150-$250. And for large tattoos, you should expect to pay $250-$500, or more.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Tips are by no means mandatory, and most tattoo artists won’t expect a tip. But if you’re happy with the tattoo and the experience overall, there is absolutely nothing wrong with tipping your tattoo artist. Tips can be dollar or percentage-based and how much you tip them is completely up to you.

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