Tattoo Pricing in St. Louis: Comprehensive Guide to Costs and Factors
If you're looking for tattoo prices in St. Louis, here's a breakdown of what to expect when booking with our shop.
Tattoo Pricing in St. Louis: What You Need to Know
The cost of a tattoo in St. Louis depends on several factors including style, artist experience, and whether you're going for something minimalist or a full sleeve. Most tattoos at Alchemy start at $100. Pricing depends on size, detail, placement, and your artist’s hourly rate.
Average Tattoo Prices in St. Louis
Small tattoos usually range from $100–$300 and can be completed in one session.
Medium tattoos can be anywhere between $300-$800 and usually only require 1-2 sessions to complete.
Half sleeves typically fall between $800–$3000+ and can take 2-4+ sessions to complete..
Full sleeves can range from $2000 to $7,000+ or more, depending on complexity, color, and the number of sessions.
Full back pieces often start at $2,000 and can exceed $8,000+, especially for intricate, full-color designs requiring multiple sessions, or people with larger backs.
These estimates align with industry averages, where full sleeves and back pieces remain at the top end of the pricing spectrum, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 or more.
Factors Influencing Tattoo Costs
Size and placement
Larger areas and hard-to-reach spots take more time and care. Delicate areas may also require breaks or slower pacing.Design complexity
A solid black shape takes less time than a full-color illustrative piece. Details like fine lines, dotwork, or realism raise the price due to the technical skill and time involved. Tattoos that include realistic portraits, layered textures, or detailed shading will usually take longer than minimalist or traditional styles. If you’re interested in a full sleeve or back piece, expect it to be completed over multiple sessions, billed by the hour.Color vs. Black and Gray
Color tattoos generally take longer due to layering and blending, thus costing more than black and gray designs.
Body Placement
Areas that are more sensitive or difficult to tattoo, such as ribs or feet, may incur higher costs due to increased time and skill required.
Artist experience
More experienced or in-demand artists often have higher hourly or session rates. Apprentices or newer artists may offer lower-cost options under supervision.
Color vs. black & grey
Full-color designs often require more layers, which means more time. Black and grey styles tend to be quicker but still depend on shading complexity.Custom vs. flash
Custom designs take longer to prepare and often cost more. Designing custom artwork can take up to double the time it takes to tattoo the design, compared to a realism or pre-designed piece. If you’re on a budget, many of our artists offer flash designs at set prices.Guest Artist Pricing
If you’re booking with one of our guest artists, their rates may differ from our standard pricing. Guest artists set their own pricing based on their experience, curated portfolios, and the market they typically work in. For example, hourly rates in places like Los Angeles or Las Vegas often start at $200–$300+, while St. Louis artists typically range from $120–$250 per hour. We recommend reviewing their portfolio and reaching out for details before booking, as each guest artist runs their schedule and pricing independently.
What about tipping?
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated—usually 15–25% of the tattoo cost, similar to hair or beauty services.
What’s included in the price?
Your price includes sterile, single-use supplies, artist setup and cleanup time, aftercare instructions, and the prep/design process. Some artists also offer free touch-ups within a set window if your tattoo heals unevenly.
Can I get a quote before booking?
Yes. For custom work, you’ll usually need a consultation. At our St. Louis tattoo shop, we offer free consultations to give you a realistic price range before booking.We also offer walk-in tattoos and pre-priced flash pieces that don’t require consults. You can check our booking page or artist portfolios for more info. Keep in mind that exact quotes can be hard to give without a design finalized. We always recommend starting with a consultation, especially for larger or custom work. This gives your artist time to understand your vision and provide a more accurate estimate.
Apprentice tattoo in progress featuring Kayla Hilzendeger, former tattoo apprentice at Alchemy, now a licensed artist.
Tips for Budgeting Your Tattoo
Be upfront with your artist about your budget. The artist can plan their design with it in mind.
Flash is often more affordable than custom work.
Ask about apprentice work if you’re open to being tattooed by someone in training.
Plan for Multiple Sessions: Larger tattoos, like full sleeves or back pieces, often require multiple sessions. Spreading the work over time can make budgeting more manageable.
Consider Aftercare Costs: Proper aftercare is crucial for healing and maintaining your tattoo. Budget for quality aftercare products and potential touch-up sessions.
Final thoughts
A tattoo is a lifetime investment. Pricing reflects not only the time it takes to design, prepare, and complete the tattoo, but the skill, hygiene, and care behind it as well. If you’re ready to start your next piece, we’d love to help.
Tattoo Pricing FAQS
Wondering what goes into the cost of a tattoo? You're not alone. We've gathered the most common questions we hear about pricing, booking, and what to expect, so you can feel confident and informed before you commit.
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Tattoo prices vary based on size, detail, placement, and the artist’s experience. At Alchemy Tattoo Collective, our shop minimum is typically $100, and most tattoos range between $150 and $400 per hour depending on the artist. Larger or more complex designs may be quoted after a consultation.
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Your price covers custom design time, setup and sterilization of equipment, high-quality inks and supplies, and the tattooing session itself. We also provide aftercare guidance and complimentary touch-ups for most tattoos within the first few months if needed.
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Yes, we offer free consultations so you can meet your artist, discuss your idea, get a ballpark price, and talk through placement and design. Booking a tattoo appointment may require a deposit.
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Several factors affect price:
Size and complexity
Color vs. black and grey
Placement on the body
Your artist’s experience and speed
A small tattoo with fine line detail might take longer than a larger, bold design, depending on complexity.
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Both. Smaller designs are often priced by the piece, while larger custom work is typically billed hourly. Your artist will explain which applies to your project at the consultation.
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Tipping is never required but always appreciated. A standard tip in the tattoo industry is 15–25%, based on your satisfaction with the experience.
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Yes. Our apprentices are carefully supervised and offer discounted rates. This is a great option for budget-conscious clients who still want a solid tattoo. All apprentice work is pre-approved by licensed mentors.
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Deposits are non-refundable and go toward the cost of your tattoo. If you need to reschedule, we require at least 48 hours' notice to carry your deposit forward.
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Eat a full meal beforehand
Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol or blood thinners 24 hours before
Wear comfortable, accessible clothing
Bring photo ID and your payment method
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For a general estimate, we recommend booking a free consultation with one of our artists.