Tattooist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Tattooists create permanent artwork on their clients' bodies.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.
Model substances such as clay or wax, using fingers and small hand tools to form objects.
Create sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artwork by using abrasives and tools to shape, carve, and fabricate materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal.
Set up exhibitions of artwork for display or sale.
Render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, manufactured products, or models, working from sketches, blueprints, memory, models, or reference materials.
Shade and fill in sketch outlines and backgrounds, using a variety of media such as water colors, markers, and transparent washes, labeling designated colors when necessary.
Frame and mat artwork for display or sale.
Submit artwork to shows or galleries.
Submit preliminary or finished artwork or project plans to clients for approval, incorporating changes as necessary.
Study styles, techniques, colors, textures, and materials used in works undergoing restoration to ensure consistency during the restoration process.
Collaborate with engineers, mechanics, and other technical experts as necessary to build and install creations.
Cut, bend, laminate, arrange, and fasten individual or mixed raw and manufactured materials and products to form works of art.
Develop project budgets for approval, estimating time lines and material costs.
Create and prepare sketches and model drawings of cartoon characters, providing details from memory, live models, manufactured products, or reference materials.
Create finished art work as decoration, or to elucidate or substitute for spoken or written messages.
Create sketches, profiles, or likenesses of posed subjects or photographs, using any combination of freehand drawing, mechanical assembly kits, and computer imaging.
Trace drawings onto clear acetate for painting or coloring, or trace them with ink to make final copies.
Apply solvents and cleaning agents to clean surfaces of paintings, and to remove accretions, discolorations, and deteriorated varnish.
Collaborate with writers who create ideas, stories, or captions that are combined with artists' work.
Brush or spray protective or decorative finishes on completed background panels, informational legends, exhibit accessories, or finished paintings.
Teach artistic techniques to children or adults.

Average salary
18,846 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Tattooist

19,310 GBP
18,817 GBP

Average salary for part-time Tattooist

Average salary for full-time Tattooist

Showing:

9,848 GBP
10,131 GBP
6,307 GBP

18,846 GBP
18,817 GBP
19,310 GBP

Salary over time for Tattooist

Salary for this role has increased over time

15,931 GBP
17,671 GBP
17,225 GBP
17,178 GBP
17,618 GBP
17,179 GBP
18,846 GBP
15,543 GBP
19,211 GBP

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Future outlook for Tattooists

Balanced outlook

36 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

59% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Tattooist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree
% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
business management skills
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Tattooist

Drawing

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Tattooist.

Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times

Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

What technical skills do I need?

Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Tattooist. Check that you know:

Computer aided design CAD software

Data base user interface and query software ArtScope.net eArtist; Camp Software Art Licensing Manager; FileMaker Bento; GYST

Document management software Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat

Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud

Object or component oriented development software C#

Improve your skills today

Drawing

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

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Tattooist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Tattooists

Tattooist - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

What technical skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your Tattooist interview