Most Australian tattoo studios charge between $180–$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
| Size | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny (under 5cm) | $120 – $250 | Most studios charge a shop minimum, regardless of size. |
| Small (5–10cm) | $200 – $450 | Single sitting, fine line or small traditional designs. |
| Medium (10–20cm) | $400 – $1,200 | Half-day session for forearm pieces, calf, shoulder. |
| Large (20cm+) | $1,000 – $3,500+ | Multi-session work — half-sleeves, thigh pieces, back panels. |
| Sleeve (full) | $3,500 – $8,000+ | Booked across 4–10 sessions over months. Most studios charge hourly. |
What affects price
- · Artist reputation: Established artists charge more. They're usually worth it.
- · Detail and colour: Photo-realism and full colour take longer. Linework is faster.
- · 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 a $100–$300 design fee, deducted from the final cost.
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.