- Salary statistics
- Tattoo
Tattoo
35 200 - 35 300 kr / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Tattoo
What does a tattoo artist do? – Tasks and work environment
A tattoo artist works with creating permanent designs and images on people's skin using needles and ink. Tasks include everything from designing unique motifs in consultation with clients to performing the actual tattooing process under strict hygienic conditions. The profession requires artistic ability, precision, and good communication skills to interpret customer wishes. The work is often carried out in a tattoo studio, where the environment is adapted for creativity and meticulous hygiene management.
Salary development over time
The salary development for tattoo artists has been relatively stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 36 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further decreased to 35,200 SEK. The total decline amounts to approximately 2.8 % over the period. This decline can be linked to increased competition within the industry and a larger supply of tattoo artists, which has affected pricing. Despite this, the salary levels remain competitive compared to other creative professions in culture and entertainment.
Tattoo artist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (male)
- Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly wage: 212 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn on average as much as men (women: 35,300 SEK, men: 35,200 SEK)
- Regional differences: No significant differences reported
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a tattoo artist often involves an apprenticeship or internship with an established tattoo artist, as there are no formal educational requirements in Sweden. Many combine self-study in drawing and art with practical experience in a studio. To work professionally, good knowledge of hygiene and safety is also required, often obtained through specialized courses.
- Apprenticeship: Practice with an established tattoo artist, usually 1–2 years
- Hygiene training: Mandatory courses according to environmental and health standards
- Artistic background: Self-study or courses in drawing and visual arts
- Portfolio: A personal work sample or portfolio is often required to obtain an internship
- Prerequisites: Precision, patience, and good hand motor skills
Many tattoo artists choose to specialize in certain styles, such as realism or Japanese motifs, which can contribute to a stronger personal profile and increased demand. Building a personal brand and being visible on social media has become increasingly important for reaching new clients.
Common benefits and compensations
Tattoo artists often have a commission-based salary, where compensation depends on the number of tattoos performed and the size of the customer base. Other benefits may include free work clothing, access to materials, and sometimes flexible working hours. Some studios also offer opportunities for further training in new techniques and hygiene routines.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the tattoo industry has increased as more people choose to train and establish their own studios. Challenges include building a loyal customer base, staying updated on new motifs and techniques, and ensuring high hygiene standards according to regulations. The market is also sensitive to trends, which can influence demand for certain styles and designs. Finding one's niche and remaining relevant are crucial for long-term success in the profession.
Tips for aspiring tattoo artists
To succeed as a tattoo artist, it is good to combine artistic talent with patience and perseverance, as it takes time to develop both skills and client base. Being attentive and having good communication skills helps in client meetings and understanding their wishes. Precision and an eye for detail are essential for delivering high-quality results and building trust. It is recommended to seek internships with established tattoo artists and actively work on a personal portfolio. Self-discipline and the ability to work independently are also important qualities, especially for those who want to start their own studio or work as freelancers.
Key facts about tattoo artists
- Educational path: Apprenticeship or internship, supplemented with hygiene training
- Work environment: Studio or salon-based, high standards for hygiene and precision
- Work form: Self-employed or employed in a studio, often commission-based
- Demand: About 620 available jobs within the profession in Sweden
- Special skills: Artistic ability and good hand motor skills
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a tattoo artist may have established themselves as a specialist in a certain style or built their own studio with regular clients. Other career options include becoming an educator, guest tattoo artist at international studios, or developing their own product lines within tattoo equipment. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains strong with 620 available jobs, indicating stable future prospects. Those combining artistic talent with entrepreneurship have good opportunities for development and increased earnings.
Frequently asked questions about tattoo artists
- What does a tattoo artist earn?
- The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month, with minor differences between genders. - How do you become a tattoo artist?
- Usually through an apprenticeship with an established tattoo artist and hygiene training. - What personal qualities are important?
- Artistic talent, precision, patience, and good communication skills. - Are there regional differences in salary?
- No significant differences are reported at present. - What are the future prospects?
- The profession has strong demand with many available jobs, especially for skilled and specialized tattoo artists. - Is certification required to work?
- Hygiene training according to environmental and health standards is required, but no national certification is necessary.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Tattoo has the SSYK code 3439, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Developer for AI Models in Cancer Research
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 - 01:24 -
AI-Driven Cancer Research - Programmer Wanted
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Sat, 15 Nov 2025 - 01:23 -
Design Lead in HVDC Engineering
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Sat, 27 Sep 2025 - 09:55 -
Guide for Italian-speaking tourists in Gamla Stan
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 - 12:54
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00