How Much Does an Upper Arm Tattoo Cost?

Curious about how much an upper arm tattoo might cost you?

You have come to the right page, as we will explore the fascinating world of upper arm tattoos.

But first…

When it comes to tattoos on the arm, you should know that there are various types to consider.

Full-sleeve tattoos cover the entire arm from top to bottom, creating a striking visual impact. Forearm tattoos specifically adorn the lower part of the arm and can be either partial or encompass the entire area.

In this blog post, we will focus on upper arm tattoos. These tattoos effortlessly make a bold statement, capturing attention with their undeniable appeal. For men, large upper arm tattoos exude masculinity, although opting for a small or medium-sized design is equally valid.

@jessicabanktattoo Had the best time making this feminine tiger upper arm tattoo for my client today #tattoo#tattoos#tattooing#femaletattoo#femaletattooartist#scotland#scottish#scottishtattooartist#ink#inked#fyp#foryoupage#girlswithtattoos#tattooedgirl#tattooedgirlsoftiktok#feminine#femaletattooidea#tattoodesign#dundee#fife#tattooidea#tattooinspiration#tattoodesign#tattoodesignideas#tattooinspo ♬ Love Story (Cover) – SNC

Fortunately, getting a tattoo on the upper arm is generally not difficult. The presence of ample muscles and fat tissue in this area provides some relief in terms of pain.

It’s worth noting that arm tattoos have stood the test of time and remain perennially popular among tattoo enthusiasts. They often serve as an individual’s first foray into the world of body art.

Now, if you’re curious about the cost of an upper arm tattoo, keep reading as we delve into the details and provide insights into the factors influencing pricing.

Average price for upper arm tattoos

There are a few things to take into account when estimating the cost of a tattoo.

These factors usually apply to all tattoos in general.

The first one is complexity. This always matters because a complex design takes more time to finish than a simple one.

The extra time an artist put into the work should be compensated with a higher fee.

Another important factor is size, which shouldn’t surprise you at all.

A larger tattoo takes more preparation and supplies, including ink, sterilization equipment, etc.

It also prolongs the duration. And then, the number of colors used also count towards the cost.

A colored tattoo typically costs more than a black one assuming everything else is the same.

Now if you’re wondering about the fee, the base rate is around $100.

That’s usually the minimum you have to pay and the sum already includes all the basic tattoo supplies.

It may be cheaper if the tattoo is quite tiny or it comes in a simple design.

As opposed to that, the minimum fee could increase if it’s worked on by an established artist.

Design aside, famous artists have the privilege to raise their rates. But, by how much?

It depends on the artist’s expertise and popularity.

If you want to hire such an artist for superb quality, then be willing to pay more.

An experienced artist can charge over $150 for a tattoo.

It can be a lot higher if you take it to extremes, e.g. a large tattoo with a complex design done by a famous artist.

For one that ticks all the boxes, you could pay from $350 to more than $600.

It’s also important to note that some shops charge a minimum.

This is the amount a client has to pay for a tattoo at the very least even if it’s pretty small.

It varies from shop to shop, but many charge a minimum of $80.

Things to know before getting a upper arm tattoo

Getting a tattoo will always lead to some discomfort even if you’re not new to this art.

Hence, always prepare yourself.

It’s not just about knowing how much to pay, but also what to do prior to the tattoo work.

Apart from physical health, your mental state is also important.

Learn how to maintain energy from the beginning and as the session is underway.

A. How much does an arm tattoo cost?

We’ve provided some information above.

To sum it up, you can pay anywhere from $50 to more than $600 for a tattoo depending on the size, complexity, and who you pay to do it.

A small tattoo would cost much lower than a full sleeve, for instance, because it takes less preparation and equipment.

Placement doesn’t really matter in this.

Though the upper arm can provide a broad tattooing area, it’s in your best interest to pick the size of the tattoo.

Instead of one covering the most portion, you can go for one that measures around 2-4 square inches.

B. How long does an upper arm tattoo take?

There is no set time limit on this.

Again, the size and complexity play a major part since it would require the artist to take more time to get it done.

A larger tattoo will probably take 6 to 8 hours to finish. It can be much shorter for a simple design.

On the other hand, if you want a large tattoo, it can take more than 10 hours and divided into several sessions.

Outlining is the first step, and once it’s complete, the artist can arrange for shading in the upcoming session.

Give your artist the time he needs to do all the work.

Some steps are more intricate, so he may ask to do it in a separate session.

For the best quality, just follow his advice than beg to complete it in one sitting.

The fine work especially needs focus and attention to get right, so let him do the job in peace.

C. Are upper arm tattoos painful?

Many people said that it’s bearable especially compared to other locations, like the inner thigh, chest, and rib cage.

However, it’s also influenced by the person’s pain tolerance.

If you have a higher threshold of pain, then you may not suffer much from getting an upper arm tattoo.

Those who have done tattoos before may even not flinch while getting an upper arm tattoo.

By the way, different steps of tattooing cause different degrees of pain.

Outlining tends to be more painful than coloring. Now to describe the pain, try to run your fingernail on the skin with some pressure.

There will be some stingy sensation as you’re scratching the skin.

The pain will be similar to that, only more intense. You’d notice that the burning sensation won’t go away immediately.

The same applies to an actual tattoo.

There would be some discomfort and pain left once it’s done.

D. Does inner upper arm tattoo hurt?

It could hurt more than tattooing the outer arm, but the closeness of it relative to the bone would be more substantial.

Tattoos on the necks, knees, and ribs are notorious for causing very sharp pain due to the nature of these locations.

With how much tissue protecting the upper arm, this area shouldn’t technically be that bad for a tattoo.

But if you’re curious, just ask your tattoo artist.

Upper arm tattoos are wildly popular, so chances are he has worked on similar designs before.

But then again, your pain tolerance also plays a part. In fact, this is one of the biggest factors that can’t be ruled out.

Some people are naturally better at bearing pain, others perceive even mild pain as torture.

There are a few factors that may contribute to one’s pain tolerance, including general health and mood.

Hence, if you want to get a tattoo, make sure you’re physically fit and in a good mental state before coming to the shop.

E. What hurts more shading or outline tattoo?

Many people agree that the line work hurts more than shading for the reason that it uses tight needle grouping, usually around 1RL to 18RL.

Besides, the machine operates at a higher speed compared to a shader.

The pain is described as a knife cutting through the skin.

It feels intense, but for a brief moment. Basically, people can make it although it hurts bad.

Shading is also painful although the pain typically builds up as the session progresses.

The artist’s skill also contributes to that.

A skilled artist knows how much deep he should go to ensure the ink stays while not inflicting too much pain.

And then, let’s not forget your skin condition.

Some people have more sensitive skin.

If you’re born with it, then any tattoo work should feel worse than it’s supposed to be.

You can overcome this by asking for shorter sessions.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to pricing, an upper arm tattoo is generally similar to other tattoos. Factors such as size are crucial to determining the cost. Larger tattoos require more effort and time from the artist, making them generally more expensive.

Smaller tattoos can start at around $100, while medium-sized and large tattoos may cost more.

It’s important to note that many tattoo shops have a minimum fee, typically around $80. So, it’s common to pay more than this minimum amount.

Location is another factor that can influence pricing. If you live in a bustling city with a higher cost of living, you can expect tattoo prices to be relatively higher as well.

To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s advisable to consult with experienced tattoo artists and obtain multiple quotes.

Again, keep in mind factors such as size, minimum fees, and location. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences.