The tattoo industry is a growing global industry with a significant economic and cultural impact. 

Tattoos are no longer associated with rebelliousness or non-conformity, but are now seen as a way to express one’s unique identity.

They are becoming more and more common among individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Social media has made it easier for tattoo enthusiasts to share their tattoos with the world, helping to increase the popularity of tattoos and making them more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

In this article, we will answer some of the tattoo industry’s most important statistics, including how much is the tattoo industry worth, how much is the annual revenue of the tattoo industry, and a lot more facts about the tattoo industry you should know about. 

Key Statistics

  • In 2022, the tattoo industry was worth $1.89 billion.
  • The tattoo industry will be worth $3.92 billion by 2030.
  • One in three American adults has a tattoo.
  • The prevalence of tattoos is higher in women than in men.
  • Two out of five adults under 30 have tattoos.
  • More than half of women aged 18-29 have a tattoo.
  • The tattoo artist market grew by 13.2% in 2022.
  • The tattoo industry has an annual revenue of $3 billion.

1. How much is the tattoo industry worth in 2024?

tattoo artist

The tattoo industry is expected to continue to grow in the future, as tattoos become increasingly popular and accepted in society nowadays.

The tattoo industry has a significant economic impact.

It generates billions of dollars in revenue each year and supports thousands of jobs.

The industry also contributes to the tourism industry, as people travel to get tattoos from renowned artists in different parts of the world.

As of 2022, The global tattoo market is worth $1.89 billion.

The tattoo industry is on track to double in size by 2030, with revenue expected to reach $3.92 billion. 

This growth is said to be because of the increasing popularity of tattoos among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Today, people of all ages and backgrounds get tattoos, from celebrities to business executives to stay-at-home moms.

(Fortune Business Insight)

2. How much is the annual revenue of the tattoo industry?

Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular among millennials and Gen Z, with over half of people in these age groups having at least one tattoo.

That’s why in 2022, the tattoo industry brings in an annual revenue of $3 billion, which makes it a significant economic force. 

(Marine Agency)

3. Nearly one-third of adults in the United States have tattoos

The popularity of tattoos is on the rise in the United States, with 32% of adults are now inked, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

As per the same survey, 22% of this figure has more than one tattoo.

The increasing popularity of tattoos is likely due to a number of factors, including the growing acceptance of tattoos in the workplace and the rise of social media.

It is also a reflection of the changing social and cultural norms in the United States.

Tattoos are no longer seen as a sign of rebellion or counterculture, but rather as a form of self-expression and individuality.

(Pew Research Center)

4. Tattoos are more prevalent in women than in males

Tattoos are more prevalent in women than in males

Tattoos are more common among women in the United States, with 38% of women having at least one tattoo compared to 27% of men.

Women are more likely to view tattoos as a form of self-expression.

They are also more likely to get tattoos that are small and delicate, which can be more socially acceptable than larger, more noticeable tattoos. 

There is a growing acceptance of diversity and individuality in the United States, and this has led to a more open attitude towards tattoos, which are seen by many as a way to express their unique identity and values.

(Fox 59)

5. Over half of women (56%) between the ages of 18 to 29 have tattoos

Over half of women (56%) between the ages of 18 to 29 have tattoos

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression for women aged 18 to 29, with 56% of this population having at least one tattoo.

For young women, tattoos are more than just ink on skin.

They are more likely than any other demographic to have tattoos that are meaningful to them.

For some, it is a way to commemorate a special moment in their lives, such as the birth of a child or the death of a loved one.

For others, it is a way to show support for a cause, such as cancer awareness or LGBTQ+ rights.

Others get inked simply to express and enhance their personal style.

(Forbes)

6. The tattoo artist industry saw a 13.2% increase in market size in 2022

Tattoo artists are skilled artisans who create beautiful and meaningful works of art on their clients’ skin.

In 2022, the tattoo artist industry saw a 13.2% increase in market size, according to Ibis World.

This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of tattoos, the growing acceptance of tattoos in the workplace, and the rise of social media. 

(Ibis World)

7. It costs an average of $27,000 to start a tattoo and body piercing shop

It costs an average of $27,000 to start a tattoo and body piercing shop

Starting a tattoo and body piercing business can be expensive based on a variety of variables, such as the shop’s size and location, the equipment needed, and the licenses and permissions necessary.

However, the initial investment required to open a tattoo and body piercing parlor is typically around $27,000.

Before starting your own tattoo shop, you must first consider the following:

  1. The rent. The amount of rent varies greatly depending on the location and the size of the shop. 
  2. The tattoo and piercing parlor requires an extensive array of equipment, and many of these items can be quite costly. This inventory encompasses items like tattoo machines, needles, ink, sterilization devices, piercing needles, and more.
  1. Before starting your shop, you must prepare your license and permits. Most states require tattoo and piercing shops to be licensed and their artists to be certified. The cost of licensing and permits can vary depending on the state, but it is important to factor this cost into your budget.
  2. There are a number of other costs involved in starting a tattoo and piercing shop, such as furniture, marketing, and insurance. These things must be carefully considered before starting your own shop. 

(Marine Agency)

8. Top 3 reasons why Americans get tattoos

People get inked for a variety of reasons.

Here are the top 3 reasons why people in the United States get their tattoos:

  • 69% of people get tattoos to commemorate or pay tribute to someone or something important to them.

Many people get tattoos to commemorate the death of a loved one.

This could be a tattoo of the loved one’s name, a portrait of their face, or a symbol that represents their relationship.

Tattoos can be used to keep loved ones close, to celebrate special moments in life, and to show support for causes that are important to us.

  • 47% of inked people get tattoos to make a statement about their beliefs. 

Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression for people who want to make a statement about their beliefs.

Tattoos can be used to communicate one’s religious, political, and social beliefs, as well as their personal values and experiences.

Some people get tattoos to express their political beliefs, or to show their support for social justice causes.

This could be a tattoo of a symbol associated with a particular cause. 

  • According to 32% of inked people, they get their tattoos to improve their personal aesthetics. 

There are a lot of people who get their tattoos to make themselves stand out and seem interesting.

This may be a tattoo with a striking design or one that is placed in an unusual spot or in a spot that is easily noticeable. 

Other people also get tattoos to show their unique personalities.

This might be a tattoo with a design that expresses one’s passions or hobbies or just one’s individual sense of style.

(Pew Research Center)

Conclusion

Tattoos are more popular now than ever before.

They are now seen as a powerful way to express one’s individuality and creativity.

The tattoo industry has a significant cultural and economic impact, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year and supporting thousands of jobs.

Tattoos have also become a popular form of self-expression and are often used to represent personal values and beliefs.

Given its massive popularity among the younger generations, there are a lot of people wondering how much the tattoo industry is worth.

The industry is valued at 1.89 billion as of 2022, and is expected to continuously grow in the coming years. 

With tattoos going popular and bringing in more money than ever before, the tattoo business is primed for continuous expansion in the future.

Sources

Pew Research CenterForbesMarine Agency
Fortune Business InsightsIBISWorldFox 59 News