In Illinois, most tattoo projects cost between $50.00 and $3,000 per session, with a typical price near $250. Local labour, permits and materials move the final price, so treat the range below as a planning guide.
Typical tattoo cost
$50.00 – $3,000
per session · typical $250
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Tattoo cost breakdown
- Small tattoo (2–3 inches)$50.00 – $200typical $100
- Half sleeve$500 – $1,500typical $1,000
- Full back$2,000 – $5,000typical $3,000
At a glance
- Typical range$50.00 – $3,000
- Unitper session
- Cities covered50
What Tattoos costs
Tattoo pricing is usually by hour ($100–$300) or a flat piece rate. Small tattoos start around $50–$100, while large custom pieces run $500–$3,000+. Quality artists charge more.
By city in Illinois
- Addison
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Belleville
- Berwyn
- Bolingbrook
- Buffalo Grove
- Calumet City
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Crystal Lake
- DeKalb
- Decatur
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- Elgin
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Lombard
- Moline
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Normal
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Park Ridge
- Peoria
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Romeoville
- Round Lake Beach
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Springfield
- Streamwood
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Waukegan
- Wheaton
Frequently asked questions
What affects tattoo price?
Artist's skill, shop location, design complexity, and time. Custom work costs more than flash designs.
How can I save money?
Avoid cheap artists—bad tattoos are costly to fix. Ask for a quote, plan a smaller design, or wait for a shop's special.
Is it cheaper per session?
Some artists charge a daily or session rate. Large pieces may require multiple sessions, each costing $300–$800.