License GuideSOC 27-1019

Tattoo Artist
License.

Artists create original work across disciplines like painting, sculpture, digital media, and installation. Day to day, they develop concepts, produce pieces in their studios or on-site, and refine techniques. Some artists teach, manage their own businesses, or collaborate with galleries and institutions. Many combine creating work with freelance projects, client commissions, or grant-funded initiatives. Their roles span fine art, commercial design, public art, and performance.

At a Glance

Everything a Tattoo Artist needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed tattoo artists are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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Artists create original work across disciplines like painting, sculpture, digital media, and installation. Day to day, they develop concepts, produce pieces in their studios or on-site, and refine techniques. Some artists teach, manage their own businesses, or collaborate with galleries and institutions. Many combine creating work with freelance projects, client commissions, or grant-funded initiatives. Their roles span fine art, commercial design, public art, and performance.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

Most states require a national or state-administered exam covering tattoo artist knowledge, ethics, and state law.

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You'll face a two-part exam structure. The national portion tests your knowledge of safety, sterilization, and tattooing techniques. The state-law section covers local regulations specific to your jurisdiction. Most states contract with testing vendors like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer the exam. You'll typically need to score 75% or higher to pass, though some states set the bar at 80%. Plan to study both the technical skills that protect your clients and the rules that govern your practice in your specific state.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in almost every state. Hours and topics vary by board.

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Tattoo artist renewal requirements differ by state. Your state board likely requires a specific number of continuing education hours per cycle. Common topics include ethics and state licensing laws. Check your state's board website for exact hour counts and approved course providers.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the tattoo artist role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

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You'll need a steady hand and the precision to execute intricate designs, but technique alone won't cut it. Your clients bring anxiety, specific visions, and sometimes conflicting ideas about what they want. You'll spend time asking questions, sketching revisions, and talking people through the process. The best tattoo artists develop a thick skin for criticism while staying patient through multiple rounds of feedback. You work independently but answer to clients constantly. If you can balance technical confidence with genuine curiosity about what people want, you'll find the work manageable.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a tattoo artist without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

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Practicing as a tattoo artist without a valid license violates state law across the country. Unlicensed operators face civil fines and must forfeit any income earned from tattooing. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges in some states, including potential jail time. The specific penalties vary by location and violation history.

Career Outlook
-6.7% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034.

The Path

How to Get a Tattoo Artist License.

You'll follow the same basic pathway across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience under a licensed professional, which typically takes months to years depending on your state. You'll undergo a background check during the application process. Finally, complete continuing education hours before each renewal. The exact requirements, education hours, degree type, and experience length, differ by state, so check your specific state's rules.

1
Meet state minimums
Each state publishes minimum age, residency, and education requirements. Review the requirements of the state where you plan to practice.
2
Complete required education
Most states require formal education or training specific to the tattoo artist role, completed through accredited programs.
3
Pass the required exam
Most states use a state or national exam for tattoo artists. Some states also require a jurisprudence or state-law portion.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
Compensation

What Tattoo Artists Earn.

National hourly wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$16.21/hr
25th percentile
$21.52/hr
Median
$34.98/hr
75th percentile
$54.05/hr
Top 10%
$64.03/hr
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Tattoo Artist license is active.

Century College
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
San Juan, Puerto RicoIn-person
ZMS The Academy
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
Los Angeles, CaliforniaIn-person
Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
Reston, VirginiaIn-person
La Belle Beauty School
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
Hialeah, FloridaIn-person
Mitsu Sato Hair Academy
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
Overland Park, KansasIn-person
Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
San Diego, CaliforniaIn-person
Paul Mitchell the School-North Haven
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
North Haven, ConnecticutIn-person
Douglas Education Center
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
Monessen, PennsylvaniaIn-person
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
Varies
Exam fee
Varies
Varies
License fee
Varies
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Issuing board
Cosmetology Technical Advisory Committee
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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