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Tattooist

Tattooist Image

Tattooists, or body artists, decorate the skin of their clients with permanent designs – either words or pictures or a combination of both. They create the tattoos using electronic needles which pierce and inject ink under the skin.

The Work

You could be:

Some tattooists offer other services such as tattoo removal, 'cover ups' (redesigning or covering over an existing tattoo) and body piercing (see job article Body Piercer).

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2023 the National Minimum Wage is £7.49 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £10.18 an hour for workers aged 21 to 22. The National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over. is £10.42 an hour.

During an apprenticeship you may have to work unpaid.

Self-employed tattooists usually charge an hourly fee, from around £60 to £120, depending on its complexity and the numbers of pigments involved. Sometimes a set fee is agreed if the tattoo is done in one sitting. Experienced tattooists can earn around £30,000 a year or more. Tattooists sometimes charge a non refundable deposit which will be deducted from your final bill for large tattoo work such as a back piece.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Getting In

Look for apprenticeships by contacting registered tattooists. You may make useful contacts by going to tattooing conventions. You might have to move to another part of the country. Most registered tattooists are self-employed.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2022
5163
1.7 %
RISE
2027
5253
  United Kingdom
2022
54828
0.5 %
RISE
2027
55097

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need:

Training

Getting On

More Information

There is a growing demand in the UK for tattooists as it's estimated that one fifth of the UK's population now having a tattoo.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

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