Tattoo Artist
Design and apply custom tattoos for clients - usually after a long apprenticeship.
This UK tattoo artist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £12,000 - £20,000 (apprentice)
- Mid-career salary
- £25,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £150,000+
- Work environment
- Studio
- Time to entry
- 2 - 5 years apprenticeship
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Beauty and Aesthetics
What a Tattoo Artist does
Design and apply custom tattoos for clients - usually after a long apprenticeship.
How to become a Tattoo Artist
- Decide who your first 5 paying clients will realistically be (be specific - "dog owners in [your town]" not "everyone").
- Register as self-employed with HMRC and get your UTR. Set up a separate bank account.
- Get the kit, insurance, and any qualifications/licences you actually need to start - no more.
- Build the simplest version of your offer (one-page site or Insta + price list) and put it in front of those 5 people.
- Land your first paying job, deliver well, and ask for a review or referral. Repeat.
Key skills
- Drawing
- Tattoo technique
- Hygiene & safety
- Client consultation