How Much Does a Tattoo Machine Cost?(Helpful Examples)

Tattooing is a form of body art where any type of design or name of some special one is created on any part of the skin, either temporary (Henna Tattoos Cost) or permanent( Tattoos Cost).

It is made by inserting ink, dye, and pigments into the deep layer of the skin. Giving tattoos can be an excellent business for 2021 as getting a tattoo is becoming popular, and people are willing to pay money to get a tattoo.

It is legal to pose a tattoo machine without restrictions of age and qualifications. There are many tattoo guns available in the market at different prices.

But for the complete tattoo setup, you just need to buy a complete tattoo kit which includes tattoo ink, tattoo needle, power supply, ink caps, etc.

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Here’s How Much Does a Tattoo Machine Cost

The average tattoo gun cost starts typically from $400 and goes up to $900 without including the cost of other supplies.

If you are going to start your tattoo business, then the gun with $400 is an excellent budget, to begin with. But if you can afford to pay near to $900, then you can surely get the best quality tattoo gun.

There are usually two choices when you want to buy tattoo guns; coil or rotary machines. There is not a massive difference in their prices, but the only difference that exists between them is their features.

The cost of tattoo guns can be different depending on the quality of equipment. However, if you buy just a tattoo gun, it will be cheaper than the whole setup, but still, you should be ready to pay for ink and needles.

In comparison, you can invest more to buy a tattoo kit that comes with tattoo supplies.

1) Coil Machines

Coil machines use an electromagnetic current that passes through two coils, enabling the armature bar to move.

It can create smooth lines and better shading and cost about $500. When using a coil machine, you have to choose between shading and lines.

That’s why you need to buy two-coil tattoo machines to do both in one that can also add more expenses to your budget.

2) Rotary Machines Cost

Rotary tattoo machines are lightweight and easy to use. Due to being lightweight rotary machines are more convenient to use, and a rotary machine artist can work longer at a single sitting without getting cramps in their hands and fingers.

These machines use a more gentle process than rotary machines. Another advantage of using Rotary machines is that they use a cartridge system, and there is no need to use more than one machine.

However, a single rotary machine is more expensive than a coil machine and usually costs around $800.

Tattoo Machine setup cost

The average tattoo kit cost for a beginner usually starts from $50 to $1,000, but it could go higher depending on different factors, including quality and contents.

A tattoo kit will be an excellent option for beginner tattoo artists.

If you buy a tattoo kit, it will come with all the necessary supplies, including a tattoo gun, and you will not need to buy any additional supplies.

Additional Cost

Your cost won’t stop only after buying a gun. In fact, you just need some extra supplies that you will use every time when you do a tattoo.

Needle cost

A tattoo artist must change the needle after use or when torn or punctured. Many needles are available at different prices; however, you can choose the needle that suits your need and budget. You can also reuse the needles after cleaning and sanitizing them.

You can use an autoclave to clean a needle by producing extreme heat and pressure to kill any living organism. Buying an autoclave will also add additional expenses to your budget.

Tubes Cost

Tattoo tubes should be single-use only, but if you are tattooing at home, you may use them more than once. But you need to be extremely careful. The cost of tubes ranges from $0.69 up to $2.50 per unit.

Ink Cost

You also need to buy ink in different colors. The tattoo ink typically costs $180. Black tattoo ink is more expensive than colored inks as black tattoos last longer and is more in demand.

Foot pedal Cost

If you don’t get a tattoo kit, then you must be ready to pay for a foot pedal to control a tattoo gun. It is another essential thing that can add additional charges to your budget.

The foot pedal is a necessary component as it controls the vertical movement of the needle.

4 Tips to Save Money On a Tattoo Machine

Starting a tattoo business needs a ton of money as you have to spend a decent amount of money on your equipment. But here are a couple of ways that can lower the cost of your tattoo machine.

1) Wait for a sale

You should not buy a tattoo machine immediately, and you should wait for a sale as you can get the best tattoo machine at a reasonable price from a sale. It can save your money.

2) Buy in Bulk

It would be best if you bought the tattoo machine supplies like inks and needles in bulk. The same is the case with cleaning supplies and disposable tubes if you suppose to use them.

If you work in a shop as a tattoo artist, you can order your supplies as a group with other tattoo artists. This is because per unit cost will most likely be lower that can save your money.

Then you can use these savings for other tattoo supplies.

3) Buy an excellent quality tattoo machine:

If you buy a low-quality tattoo machine that can cost $100, it will not work last longer, and then you will need to buy another machine after a year.

As compared to a low-quality tattoo machine, a high-quality tattoo machine can work for ten years. It may cost $500, but spending more money on a high-quality machine can save you money in the long term.