What actually drives the price

Size — The single biggest factor. More skin means more time, more ink, more work.

Detail and complexity — Fine lines, tiny lettering, portraits, and dense shading all take longer than bold, simple designs.

Placement — Ribs, hands, necks, and other difficult or stretchy areas take more care (and often more time) than a forearm or calf.

Color vs black and grey — Full color usually takes longer than black and grey of the same size, and packing color solidly is slow, skilled work.

The artist — Experience, demand, and specialization matter. An artist who has done your exact style a thousand times charges for that mastery — and their healed work shows why.

Custom drawing time — Original artwork drawn for you is part of the work, whether it happens in the chair or before your appointment.

Small tattoos and shop minimums

Why does a two-inch tattoo cost more than you expected? Because almost none of the cost is the ink. A tiny tattoo still  needs a full sterile setup, new single-use needles, gloves, barriers, quality pigments, and an artist's focused time — the same as a big one. That is why every good shop has a minimum charge. Small and minimalist pieces are some of our favorite work; the minimum is  simply what it costs to do them safely and well.

 

Bigger work: sessions, sleeves, and large pieces

Large work is usually planned in sessions. A sleeve, for example, is drawn as one design but tattooed over several sittings of a few hours  each, and priced by the session or by the hour. That structure is actually good news for your budget: you pay as you go, session by session,  instead of one enormous bill. A consultation is where the plan (and a realistic total range) gets mapped out before any money is committed.

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Deposits, tipping, and the costs people forget

• Deposits — Booking an appointment takes a deposit, which secures your artist's time and goes toward the cost of your tattoo. It is standard practice at every serious shop.

• Tipping — Tattoo artists are tipped like other skilled service professionals. 15-25% is customary in Utah  if you love the work. Never required, always appreciated.

• Touch-ups — Ask your artist about their touch-up policy at your session so you know what is covered as your tattoo settles.

• Aftercare — Budget a few dollars for proper aftercare. In Utah's dry climate, moisturizing matters: healed results  (and avoiding a touch-up) depend on it.

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Recent work from our artists

What clients say

"I am very much enjoying my experience with Nyx who is working with me on a full sleeve. He's super cool and extremely talented. I drive from north ogden and pass tons of other shops on the way, but this one has earned my loyalty. Thanks guys!" — Preston Andersen

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"I got this beautiful piece done by Rafael and i absolutely love it so much! This is my 4th tattoo with him and i definitely recommend  the attention to detail and checked on me to see if i was ok since it was a big piece and took about 5 hrs" — Nohemi Muniz

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Tattoo price questions, answered

How much will my tattoo cost?

It depends on size, placement, detail, color, and the artist — which is exactly why we do not quote from a chart. Send us your idea through the estimate form and the artists who fit your style will give you a real price for your actual piece, free. https://slctattoo.zapier.app/quote

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Why can't you just give me a price over the phone?

Because two tattoos that sound identical ("a small flower on my ankle") can take twenty minutes or two hours depending on the design. A price guessed sight-unseen is how people get surprised later. The estimate form takes two minutes and gets you a number we will stand behind.

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Do you charge by the hour or by the piece?

Both happen, depending on the work. Smaller pieces are usually quoted as a flat price; large custom work is often hourly or per session. Your estimate will say which, before you book anything.

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Is the consultation free?

Yes — consultations are free, and for bigger pieces they are the best way to get a realistic plan and price range. Book one here: https://slctattoos.as.me

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How much should I tip my tattoo artist?

If you love your tattoo, 15-25% is the customary range in Utah. It is never required, and artists genuinely appreciate it.

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Why do tattoos cost more than they used to?

Professional supplies, licensing, insurance, and sterile single-use everything cost more than they did — and experienced  artists' time is worth more. What has not changed: a tattoo is permanent, so the cheapest option is rarely the best value.

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Get an exact price for your idea

Charts can only take you so far. If you want a real number for the tattoo you are actually planning, send us the idea — placement, size, style, and any reference photos — and our artists will estimate it for free.

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The Manor Tattoo SLC · 145 South 400 East,  Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · (385) 645-4072 · themanortattoo.com

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Fine line tattoos: https://www.themanortattoo.com/fine-line-tattoos-salt-lake-city

Walk-in tattoos: https://www.themanortattoo.com/walk-in-tattoos-salt-lake-city