The Real Cost of Tattoos in St. Louis: Pricing Breakdown + What Affects It

If you're looking for tattoo prices in St. Louis, here's a breakdown of what to expect when booking with our shop.

So, how much does a tattoo cost in St. Louis?

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.

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.

What affects the price of a tattoo?

• 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 Severin Watson, former tattoo apprentice at Alchemy, now a licensed artist.

Budgeting tips

• 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.