50+ Statistics About the Tattoo Industry in 2025

We’ve compiled the most relevant tattoo industry statistics of 2025 — such as revenue forecasts, consumer preferences, emerging trends, and more.

This report will help tattoo artists, shop owners, and journalists understand where the industry stands and what’s possibly in store for it. 

Global Tattoo Industry Statistics: Market Size & Growth

The global tattoo market presents a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. However, it’s still important to look at the numbers in order to understand where it’s headed in the foreseeable future. 

Below are some of the most telling stats this year.

• The global tattoo services market (which mainly includes temporary and permanent cosmetic, medical, and professional body art procedures) is projected to grow $3.59 billion by the end of 2025 — a 66.98% increase versus 2024. (Source)
• Projections indicate a further increase to $6.11 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.89%.

• North America currently dominates the global tattoo market, with recent data showing it holds a 40% share, given that it generated about $861.68 million in 2024.
• Europe comes in second with a 30% share of the global tattoo market.
• Asia Pacific places third with a 23.02% share.

• When it comes to tattoo types, temporary tattoos hold the larger revenue share versus permanent tattoos. This reflects a growing demand for customizable, non‑permanent body art, which are especially popular at music festivals, sports events, and social campaigns. (Source)
• As for categories, professional or body art tattoos account for the largest share of the market, with cosmetic (permanent makeup for aesthetic enhancement) and medical (such as scar camouflaging and correcting skin discolorations) tattoos trailing behind. 
• Meanwhile, the global tattoo supplies market recorded $2.16 billion in revenue in 2024. This market includes service essentials like tattoo machines, ink, needles, cartridges, and aftercare products. (Source)
• It is expected to reach $2.84 billion in 2025, and $4.04 billion in 2033 — reflecting a 10.64% CAGR within the nine-year period.

Global Consumer Demographics

Understanding who gets tattoos (and why) helps explain the industry’s promising growth. These demographic insights highlight differences by country, age, gender, and personal motivations.

• Italy holds the record for being the “most tattooed country,” according to the latest available data. Here, nearly half (or 48% to be exact) of its residents have at least one tattoo. (Source)
• Coming in second and third are Sweden (47%) and the United States (46%), respectively. 
• A survey shows that those in the U.S. and Sweden have the highest median number of tattoos, at around four tattoos per tattooed person. By contrast, tattooed people in Italy are less likely to have multiple designs. (Source)

• The same survey shows that adults aged 30–49 are the most likely to be tattooed, with 45% of respondents from this age group having at least one tattoo. 
• By comparison, the share is lower among younger people (32% for those aged 14–29) and older adults (28% for those 50 or older).
• The average first-time tattoo customer is about 25 years old. (Source)
• Around 60% of tattoo customers prefer getting custom designs over flash tattoos.
• Industry compilations suggest that many tattoos show noticeable fading after roughly 10–15 years, although actual longevity varies widely with placement, ink quality, and aftercare.
• Tattoo artists’ use of digital portfolios has climbed 45% over the past three years, boosting their ability to win new clients.
• Over 85% of clients look up tattoo artists online first before making an appointment. This highlights the importance of having a strong digital presence, especially if you’re a new tattoo artist.
• Approximately 45% of tattoo shops use online booking systems to handle appointments — improving workflow and overall client satisfaction. 

• Another survey found that around 72% of adults with tattoos usually cover these when they’re at work. That said, they typically have tattoos on body parts that can’t be seen when they’re in work attire. (Source)
• Women are less likely to have tattoos in visible locations. Of those who are tattooed, only 13% of women have visible tattoos, versus 23% of men.
• Tattoos in the workplace are less stigmatized than they once were, and many employers now allow visible tattoos as long as they are not offensive. For example, one survey found that 35% of companies report having no problem with employees having visible tattoos. (Source)
• However, some surveys find that a handful of HR and hiring managers (88%) think tattoos can limit a candidate’s career prospects. Additionally, 40% have admitted to rejecting a qualified candidate because of a visible tattoo. (Source)

Also read: 30 Things Your Tattoo Artist Wishes You Knew

North America Tattoo Industry Statistics & Projections

These key statistics show how the market is developing across the region.

• As previously mentioned, North America leads the global tattoo market with a 40% share. This is mostly thanks to high social acceptance, celebrity influence, and a strong culture of self-expression.
• The North American tattoo service market is expected to reach $1.65 billion in 2025 — a 91.51% increase from $861.68 million in 2024. (Source)
• By 2033, market revenue is projected to climb to $2.3 billion, which represents a CAGR of approximately 11.5% from 2024 to 2033.

• Within the region, the U.S. maintains the largest share of the tattoo market, with revenues of $679.87 million in 2024, and a forecasted $1.26 billion by the end of 2025. 
• The chart below shows how tattoo service revenues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are expected to evolve between 2024, 2025, and 2033.

• Customers in North America spend the most on a single tattoo session than anywhere else. Here, the average spend on tattoos is $262 per session. (Source)
• In the U.S., the average revenue of a mid-size tattoo shop is approximately $150,000 per year. 
• The global tattoo industry employs over 250,000 people, which includes tattoo artists, shop owners, and suppliers. 

US Consumer Demographics & Tattoo Artist Employment Statistics

As mentioned, the United States represents one of the world’s most active tattoo markets. Below are the latest numbers highlighting key trends in adoption, spending, and employment.

• In the U.S., around 32% of adults have a tattoo. Within this group, 22% report having more than one tattoo. (Source)
• Women (38%) are more likely than men (27%) to be tattooed. Additionally, 26% of women and 17% of men report having more than one tattoo.
• Among women specifically, 56% of those aged 18–29 and 53% of those aged 30–49 mentioned having a tattoo.

• Looking at age groups, those aged 30–49 are the most likely to have a tattoo (46%). The next most tattooed group is adults under 30 (41%). 
• Among U.S. consumers, those aged 30–39 spend the most on tattoos, paying about $300 per tattoo on average.
• When asked why they got tattooed, 69% of tattooed adults say that honoring or remembering someone or something was a reason. 
• Many also mention self-expression and aesthetics: 47% say they got a tattoo to make a statement about what they believe, and 32% say they got at least one to improve their personal appearance.
• Although most tattooed folks in the U.S. don’t regret getting a tattoo, roughly 24% have admitted to regretting one or more of their tattoos.

• There are approximately 42,445 people working in the U.S. tattoo industry. This includes not only tattoo artists but also front desk staff, store managers, and other employees. (Source)
• Employment in the U.S. tattoo industry grew at an average of 2.3% per year between 2020 and 2025.
• Nearly 70% of tattoo artists in the U.S. have over five years of professional experience. 
• According to recent aggregate data, U.S.-based tattoo artists earn an average salary of $64,000 per year. 
• However, this can widely vary based on experience, location, and business size. Beginner tattoo artists typically earn $25,000–$40,000, while those with more experience can earn $80,000 or more. 
• In the U.S., women make up 59% of tattoo artists, while men account for 41%. (Source)
• 74% of U.S. tattoo artists work full-time, while 26% only work part-time.

• These tattoo artists report a strong personality fit with their work, with the average score being 4.3 out of 5, which is generally higher than that of other occupations. (Source)
• On average, they give their work environment a 3.9 out of 5, indicating that most find their day-to-day setting enjoyable.
• The average tattoo business employs about 1.8 people, reinforcing how small and owner-operated most studios are.
• Around 80% of U.S. tattoo shops also offer piercing services.

Also read: Should Tattoo Artists Charge for Consultations?

Canada Consumer Demographics & Tattoo Adoption Rates

These statistics highlight how people living in Canada have been engaging with tattoo culture lately.

• Most recent available data shows that around 33% of people living in Canada have a tattoo. (Source)
• Among those tattooed, 31% have only one tattoo, while 28% have five or more tattoos. 
• In terms of age demographics, tattoos are most common among millennials (51%) and Gen X (43%), compared with 35% of Gen Z and just 17% of boomers.
• Gen Z and boomers with tattoos are more likely to have just one (42% and 55%, respectively), compared to tattooed millennials and Gen Xers, who may be more likely to have multiple.
• Tattoos are more common among women in Canada (38%) than men (28%).

• Around 70% of tattooed Canadians say their tattoos are completely hidden when they wear a long-sleeved top and pants. 
• Location-wise, those in the Canadian Prairies are more likely to have tattoos than those in other provinces.
• Those living in Quebec are slightly more likely to have visible tattoos, whereas those in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces are more inclined to keep theirs covered when in long sleeves or pants.
• Canadian government data classifies tattoo shops under the “other personal care services” category — alongside tanning, piercing, and similar services. (Source)
• Latest data indicates that there are 4,263 businesses with employees and 13,114 businesses without employees (ie., solo or self-employed) in this category nationwide.
• Approximately three out of five (or 58.9%) “other personal care services” businesses in Canada have one to four employees, while nearly one-quarter (24.1%) have five to nine employees. This highlights the prevalence of small studios and micro-businesses in the sector.

Also read: Tattoo Booking Form vs. Consent Form: What’s the Difference?

Final Word

The above tattoo statistics for 2025 show how the industry is not only growing in size, but also improving in how it operates — from rising global market revenues to strong North American demand and increasingly mainstream consumer attitudes. 

For artists, shop owners, and anyone considering a career in this field, understanding the numbers behind the market is essential. 

Lastly, if you run a tattoo shop or work as an independent artist, Bookedin can help you keep up with all that industry growth and get more potential clients. 

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