Most Australian tattoo studios charge between $180 and $300 per hour. Top-tier artists in Melbourne and Sydney with multi-month waitlists charge $300–$500/hour. Almost every studio has a shop minimum — typically $120–$200 — that applies to anything tiny or under 30 minutes of work.
Pricing by size
- **Tiny (under 5cm):** $120–$250 — most studios charge a shop minimum.
- **Small (5–10cm):** $200–$450 — single sitting, fine line or small traditional.
- **Medium (10–20cm):** $400–$1,200 — half-day for forearm pieces, calf, shoulder.
- **Large (20cm+):** $1,000–$3,500+ — multi-session work.
- **Sleeve (full):** $3,500–$8,000+ — booked across 4–10 sessions.
What affects price
- **Artist reputation.** Established artists charge more. They're usually worth it.
- **Detail and colour.** Photo-realism and full colour take longer.
- **Placement.** Tricky placements (ribs, hand, feet) take longer.
- **City.** CBD studios in Melbourne and Sydney run higher than regional shops.
- **Custom design fee.** Some artists charge $100–$300 design fee, deducted from the final price.
A note on cheap tattoos
The cheapest quote is almost always a warning sign. Hygiene compromises, low-quality ink, inexperienced apprentices working solo, or artists rushing through to maximise volume. A tattoo is on you forever — pay for someone you trust.
Use the cost calculator
Try our [tattoo cost calculator](/tattoo-cost-calculator) for an instant estimate based on size, style and city.