The Real Earnings of a Tattoo Artist in Columbus, Ohio: A Financial Breakdown

When you walk into a tattoo studio and agree to a 4-hour session at $175 per hour plus tax, you might wonder how much of that fee actually goes into the tattoo artist’s pocket. It's essential to understand that a significant portion of the total cost is absorbed by various expenses, including booth rent and self-employment taxes. Let's explore the financial breakdown for a tattoo artist in Columbus, Ohio, and see what they actually earn after all their expenses.

Gross Income from a 4-Hour Tattoo Session

- Hourly Rate: $175

- Total for 4 Hours: $175 x 4 = $700

- Sales Tax (7.5%): $700 x 0.075 = $52.50

Total Charged to Client: $752.50

Expenses and Deductions

1. Materials and Supplies

- Inks and Needles: Quality inks, needles, and other disposables are essential for each session.

- Estimated Cost: $50

2. Booth Rent

Many tattoo artists rent space in a studio, which can be a significant expense. For this analysis, we'll assume a monthly booth rent of $1,000.

- Proportionate Booth Rent for 4 Hours: Assuming an artist works 80 hours a month (20 hours a week), the booth rent per hour is $1,000 / 80= $12.50

- Total Booth Rent for 4 Hours: $12.50x 4 = $50

3. Licensing and Insurance

These are necessary for legal operation and protect the artist and clients.

- Estimated Cost: $10

4. Self-Employment Tax

As self-employed individuals, tattoo artists are responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, totaling approximately 15.3%.

- Self-Employment Tax: $700 x 0.153 = $107.10

5. Other Expenses

- Miscellaneous Costs: This includes marketing, website maintenance, and other business-related expenses.

- **Estimated Cost: $20

Net Income

After deducting all expenses and taxes, let's calculate the net income:

- Gross Income: $700

- Total Expenses: $50 (Materials) + $50 (Booth Rent) + $10 (Licensing and Insurance) + $20 (Miscellaneous) = $130

- Self-Employment Tax: $107.10

Net Income = $700 - $130- $107.10 = $462.90

Conclusion

While the client pays $752.50 for a 4-hour tattoo session, the artist's take-home pay is significantly lower after covering expenses and taxes. In this case, the artist in Columbus, Ohio, ends up with approximately $462.90. This breakdown highlights the financial realities of running a tattoo business, where a seemingly high hourly rate is necessary to maintain a professional and sustainable practice. Understanding these costs can help clients appreciate the value and dedication behind each piece of art they receive.