I’ve been considering getting a tattoo for a while and decided that my most recent trip to Las Vegas was the perfect time to get one. I wasn’t sure how much a tattoo would cost in Las Vegas, so I called a couple of shops. Here’s what I found.
On average, a small tattoo in Las Vegas will cost $200. Half-sleeve tattoos start at $800, and full-sleeve tattoos will run you about $2,000. Most tattoo artists charge between $100-$150 per hour depending on the size, location, color, and detail of your tattoo.
| Tattoo Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Small (2-4 inches) | $200 |
| Medium (4-6 inches) | $500 |
| Half-sleeve | $800 |
| Full-sleeve | $2,000 |
Tattoos are permanent, so it’s important that you pick the right artist to do yours. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to estimate the cost of your tattoo. I’ll also show you how to find a reputable tattoo parlor in Las Vegas.
Tattoo Prices in Las Vegas
In general, most tattoo shops charge by the hour. So the more time and detail your tattoo requires, the more it’s going to cost. These are all the factors that will affect the final cost of your tattoo:
- Size
- Color
- Amount of detail
- Location of the body
- Experience level of the tattoo artist
Most tattoo artists charge between $100-$150 per hour. A tattoo artist with more experience is always going to cost more than one with less experience.
Also, tattoo shops on the Las Vegas Strip are usually more expensive than the shops off of the Strip. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these shops are better, you just pay more for the convenience of the Strip.
Aside from the skill level of the tattoo artist, the size of your desired tattoo is one of the primary factors in determining cost. To calculate the average price for every tattoo size, I called some tattoo shops in Las Vegas. You can see my findings in the chart below.
| Size | Time to complete | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2-4 inches) | 1-2 hours | $150-$300 |
| Medium (4-6 inches) | 3-5 hours | $300-$600 |
| Half-sleeve | 5-10 hours | $600-$1,000 |
| Full-sleeve | 10-20 hours | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Full Back/Chest | 20+ hours | $3,000+ |
**Please note that most tattoo parlors have a minimum cost of $150-$200. So if your tattoo is really small and only takes 30 minutes to complete, they will charge you the minimum price instead of hourly.
Detail is another factor that affects the price. The more complex the tattoo, the more time it takes to complete. A simple design (like a sample already hanging up in the studio) will always cost less than a custom design.
The colors you choose can affect the price too. Full-color designs will require more time and cost more than black or grey tattoos.
The final element to take into account is the tattoo’s location on the body. Expect to pay up to 15-20% more for tattoos in challenging areas (like hands, fingers, and feet). It just takes longer for the ink to pack into those locations.
Best Tattoo Shops in Las Vegas
There are dozens of amazing tattoo shops in Las Vegas. There are also plenty of cheap tattoo shops with no (or bad) reviews. For the most part, you’re going to want to avoid the places that advertise $20 tattoos in favor of the more reputable and established tattoo parlors.
These are the best tattoo shops in Las Vegas. All of these parlors have hundreds of reviews and samples of their work available online. Here are some of the best places on the Strip:
| Tattoo Shop | Location | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Tattoo | Planet Hollywood, LINQ, Venetian | 4.9 stars | $$$ |
| Revolt Tattoos | Fashion Show Mall | 4.8 stars | $$$ |
| Rockin’ In Tattoo | Westgate (1 minute off-Strip) | 4.5 stars | $$ |
| Starlight Tattoo | Mandalay Bay | 4.1 stars | $$$ |
| Hart & Huntington Tattoo | Caesars Palace | 4.6 stars | $$$ |
There are also many tattoo spots off of the Strip. These shops tend to be a bit cheaper than the ones on the Strip, but maintain the same quality. These are the best studios to get a tattoo off the Strip:
| Tattoo Shop | Location | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tattoo | Downtown Las Vegas | 4.7 stars | $$ |
| Studio 21 Tattoo | 10 minutes off the Strip | 4.9 stars | $$ |
| Ironhorse Tattoos & Piercings | 5 minutes off the Strip | 4.8 stars | $$ |
| Crown Electric Tattoo Company | Downtown Las Vegas | 4.6 stars | $$ |
| Pair-A-Dice Tattoo | 2 minutes off the Strip | 4.9 stars | $$ |
If you want a more detailed guide about choosing a tattoo shop, I wrote another article about the best tattoo shops in Las Vegas. I go more in-depth about the prices and experience of each tattoo shop in that article.
How Much to Tip Your Tattoo Artist
Similar to waiters at restaurants, you’re expected to tip your tattoo artist. The tattoo shop takes a big cut of the price of the tattoo, so a tip will be greatly appreciated by the artist.
You should tip based on the level of service you received and the quality of the final product. 20% of the total tattoo cost is the standard in most situations.
Remember to factor in the tip when calculating your total cost. A $500 tattoo quickly turns into $600 when factoring in a 20% tip.
Tattoo Prices in Las Vegas vs Other Cities
Tattoo prices in Las Vegas are more expensive than in other cities. Since there are so many talented world-class tattoo artists that call Las Vegas home, the average price for a tattoo is a bit higher.
When comparing tattoo prices to other major cities, I have found Las Vegas to be roughly 25% more expensive on average.
But don’t let that deter you from getting a tattoo in Sin City. The quality in Las Vegas is generally much higher than what you’ll see elsewhere. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. And since tattoos are permanent, it’s not a bad idea to get the best tattoo possible from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to get a tattoo in Las Vegas? The best time to get a tattoo in Las Vegas is at the end of your trip so that it has time to heal. You’ll have to avoid sunlight and pools for a few weeks after getting a tattoo.
Can you walk into a tattoo shop without an appointment? Many Las Vegas tattoo parlors take walk-ins on a first-come, first-service basis. However, it’s best to call ahead to ensure that the shop has open availability.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Las Vegas? In the state of Nevada, you can get a tattoo between the ages of 14-18 if you provide written parental consent. The parent must also be present will getting the tattoo.
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