2026 Price Guide
Blackwork & Dotwork tattoo cost.
Blackwork covers everything from geometric patterns to solid-black filled ornamental pieces. Bold, high-contrast, and ages beautifully.
Real prices by artist tier
blackwork & dotwork pieces typically take 2–6 hours of chair time. Here's what that costs at different artist experience levels in 2026:
| Artist tier | Hourly rate | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (1–2 yrs) | $100/hr | $210–$630 |
| Resident artist (3–6 yrs) | $175/hr | $368–$1,103 |
| Established (waitlist) | $300/hr | $630–$1,890 |
| Renowned / guest | $500/hr | $1,050–$3,150 |
Get a personalized estimate with the free Tattoo Cost Calculator.
Best for
Bold designs, geometric patterns, cover-ups, blackout sleeves.
A quick history
Rooted in Polynesian, Berber, and Filipino tribal work — modernised by artists like Xed LeHead and Thomas Hooper in the 2000s.
Other styles
Blackwork & Dotwork in top US cities
Local price guides for blackwork in major markets:
For studios
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