How much money do you need to start a tattoo shop?
James Olson
Updated on March 05, 2026
In order to set up your own tattoo business, you’ll need to cover a few basic start-up costs. Estimates range from around $25,000, but that depends entirely upon the type of business you’re starting and a wide array of variables.
How do I start my own tattoo shop?
Start a tattoo parlor by following these 10 steps:
- STEP 1: Plan your business.
- STEP 2: Form a legal entity.
- STEP 3: Register for taxes.
- STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card.
- STEP 5: Set up business accounting.
- STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses.
- STEP 7: Get business insurance.
- STEP 8: Define your brand.
Why are home tattoos bad?
People who get so-called “home” tattoos from unlicensed individuals are at risk of such communicable diseases as hepatitis, HIV and MRSA. It’s unlikely tattooing equipment is properly sterilized in unlicensed settings, DeBoy said. Some of the people with home tattoos might be developing a skin infection.
Can you get a tattoo at age 13?
Getting a tattoo at 13 years old is not common, nor is it easy. Many states require that a minor be tattooed by a licensed physician, or at least in the presence of one. A 13 year old can get a tattoo legally in 22 states (listed above) with written parental consent.
Who is the highest paid tattoo artist?
Ed Hardy
1. Ed Hardy ($1,500 per hour) Don Ed Hardy is not only the highest paid tattoo artist but also the richest. His net worth is estimated to be $250 million.
Do you need a tattoo license to start a business?
The same sort of procedures will generally apply to obtaining a license for a tattoo business as opposed to obtaining an individual artist license – but rules vary state by state. You’ll have to do your research. In order to set up your own tattoo business, you’ll need to cover a few basic start-up costs.
How to start your own tattoo shop at home?
Before you can start this business, you would need to be familiar with the tattoo industry and get properly trained by enrolling in a tattoo artist apprenticeship program which can take a year or two to complete even though you might not start tattooing immediately after the program.
Is it legal to open a tattoo shop?
No two state, city, or county have the same rules and regulation about tattoo making and starting a tattoo store. Some even necessitated the health department to inspect your tattoo studio before you can open it. It is your job to find out what the rules and regulations are in your area.
How to get registered to be a mobile tattoo artist?
The course takes as little as one hour to complete. As a traveling tattoo artist, you must first register with the state and choose a legal structure for your business, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or sole proprietorship.