All The Numbers You Never Know About Tattooing & Becoming A Tattoo Artist

Look around almost anywhere and you will see them: tattoos! You see tattoos everywhere. While health facts and tattoo statistics may be hard to come by, we assert that there are two types of people in this world: people who have a tattoo(s) and want more and people who don’t have tattoos but want them! 

Here at Ink Different, we’ve been running tattoo studios and training Tattoo Artists in our tattoo apprenticeship program for over a decade now, so we’ve gathered a ton of health facts, tattoo statistics, and insights over the years.

If you’ve been contemplating a career change but are hesitant, here are some statistics about the tattoo industry in the United States and worldwide that could have you starting your apprenticeship with us tomorrow!

Health Facts And Tattoo Statistics: Did you know…

• 40% of US citizens under 35 have at least one tattoo. 
• 72% of tattooed adults have tattoos that are hidden by their clothing.
• In 2012, around 45 million people (21%) in America alone had one or more tattoos.
• 35% of United Kingdom citizens aged 30-39 have tattoos.
• 30% of US college graduates have tattoos.
• 11% of people with tattoos in the United States belong in the age range of 50-64 years old.
• 15% of men and 13% of women in the US have tattoos.
• 36% of the US Armed Forces, including military veterans, have tattoos.
• Tattoos seem to be more popular with people who attained higher levels of education (32%) compared to those with lower education levels (26%).
• With 38% of adults aged 30-39 tattooed, older millennials are the most likely to get tattoos.

Tattoo Facts And Statistics: The Most Tattooed Nations

The United States is the third most tattooed country. How about other nations?

• Italy – 48% of responded citizens have at least one tattoo. Tattoos were more prevalent among women than among men. 
• Sweden –  An incredible 47% of Swedes have at least one tattoo. The average number of tattoos is four. In Stockholm, there is an enormous tattoo culture, it has even been called the “Tattoo City” of the world.
• In the USA – 45% of responded American citizens said they have at least one tattoo. Tattooing and other body modifications are very progressive industries in the United States. 
• Australia – 43%. The number of inked women and men is almost equal.
• Argentina – 43% – the same percentage as in Australia. Argentina is the only country in South America in this ranking. 
• Spain – 42% of asked citizens declare having at least one tattoo. Another European country where more and more people (especially young people) have tattoos.

Health Facts And Tattoo Statistics: Tattoo industry statistics

• According to the market research firm IBISWorld, the tattoo industry generates an estimated $1.6 billion in revenue.
• Tattooing is the 6th fastest growing American industry.
• There are 21,000 tattoo parlors in the US, which grows by one each day.
• Large tattoos cost around $150/hour of work, while the smaller ones cost about $45.
• Over the next ten years, the tattoo industry is expected to grow by about 8% annually.
• Americans spend $1.65 billion yearly on tattoos.
• 27% of Americans pay up to $100 for their tattoos, while 6% are willing to invest $2,500 and above.
• Since 2011, services for removing tattoos have increased in demand by 32%.
• A Professional Tattoo Artist can earn over $106,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
• Tattoo removal services will increase by 18% annually for the next few years. In addition, experts predict that tattoo removal services will increase by 18% each year. 
• In 2002, “tattoo” became the number one searched term online.
• 27% of tattoos on women are located on the ankle.
• 34% of tattoos on men are on the upper back and shoulder.
• Japanese is the most used language when looking for tattoo inspiration. Moreover, Japanese tattoo designs are trendy for those who are 18 to 29 years old (46%) and those who fall between 30 and 59 years old (39%).
• 49% of individuals looking to get a tattoo consider the reputation of the tattoo studio or tattoo artist as the most crucial factor. 43% get a tattoo with personal meaning, while 8% think the cost is the most critical factor.
• 43% of people get tattoos to honor their loved ones, and 37% get tattoos for style and beauty.
• Only 6% of people treated with laser in the American Society of Dermatological Surgery are treated for tattoo removal.
• 47% of tattoos in Australia are successfully removed using a Q-switched laser. But they required up to 10 sessions. 26% of tattoos need more than 15 sessions. Two tattoos seem to be the average number of tattoos per person.

Health Facts And Tattoo Statistics: Most tattooed body parts

• 40% of responders have tattoos on their forearms.
•  A person’s back came second place with 39%.
• The third most tattooed body part is the wrist. 34% of respondents have tattoos on their wrists.
• 33% of people have tattoos on their upper arms. 
• 28% of people have shoulder tattoos.
• A tattooed chest had the same result with 28%.
• 23% of people have tattoos on their lower legs.
• 22% of people have ankle tattoos. 

5 Health Facts And Tattoo Statistics

Health and safety are always concerns to prioritize when getting a tattoo. This is why tattoo studios undergo health department inspections every year. With concerns over health risks, the health benefits of tattoos often get overlooked. Health benefits from getting a tattoo?Yes! Keep reading…

1. Tattoos Reduce Stress And Cortisol Level

Cortisol is a stress hormone. Multiple tattoos were found to reduce cortisol levels and help with stress reduction. High levels of cortisol are associated with many of the physical and mental detriments of stress:

• Headaches and migraines
• Weight gain & weight loss 
• Short-term memory loss 
• Poor learning skills
• Insomnia 

The body produces cortisol in an attempt to reduce pain. But the associated effects aren’t always worth the benefit. Multiple tattoos result in the cortisol hormone response being less active. That means less cortisol is produced, resulting in stress reduction. During the tattoo process, our brains produce dopamine and endorphins, also known as happiness hormones. Those hormones are responsible for some people’s tattoo addictions.

2. Multiple Tattoos Improve Your Immune System  

A study published in the American Journal of Human Biology uncovered that tattooing serves to inoculate the immune system. There are two reasons behind this. One is that they have less reduction in immunoglobulin A. The second is that getting a tattoo stimulates an immune response.

Immunoglobulin A is an antibody that aids the immune, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Higher levels of the antibody help the body to ward off pathogens and even the common cold or flu.

Tattoos also stimulate and strengthen the immune response. When the immune system detects a foreign invader in your body, it sends antibodies to attack them. This happens when you get a tattoo. Your body attacks the foreign invader (tattoo ink), so swelling can occur. Eventually, your body accepts the ink, and you begin to heal. During this time, the immune system becomes stronger through its efforts to combat the ink.

3. Tattoos Are Helping To Improve Vaccines

The most significant hurdles for vaccines are efficacy and cost. Through the study of tattooing, scientists are finding ways to make vaccines more effective with a lower production cost. Doctors are testing tattoos as a vaccine delivery method instead of the traditional needle.

The tattoo delivery method uses DNA vaccines, providing multiple doses safely in a single session. According to the National Library of Medicine, “the results are higher humoral and cellular immune responses than traditional vaccine injections,” with as much as 16 times stronger effects.

DNA vaccines are a lower cost to produce, making the vaccines more accessible. Labs have already had success using the vaccine method for HPV in mice. Tattooing as a delivery method is already in use for other medical applications.

The downside is that tattoo delivery is more painful and a much longer process – it is a tattoo, after all: it takes longer than a traditional needle injection. This may limit its use in therapeutic vaccines, treating cancers, and other significant diseases.

The vaccine tattoos use no ink, so there are no permanent marks.

4. Tattoos Provide Confidence And Self-Esteem

Those with tattoos know the confidence associated with fresh ink. It’s exciting, and you want to show it off, like an amplified version of the feeling you get after a perfect haircut or after a shopping spree. But it turns out that the confidence-boosting effects aren’t just for new ink.

Some university sociological studies found a correlation between tattoos and self-esteem. And the more tattoos, the more significant the confidence boost. Respondents with four or more tattoos had significantly higher self-esteem than those with less. This was especially true among those who reported a history of depression.

The cause for this may be that a tattoo gives you a sense of control. And allows you to reclaim something that has been lost or taken. Getting a new tattoo is one way to express self-care and self-love. It is like well-done plastic surgery. A new tattoo is something to be proud of not only because of the excellent design but also because of the bravery factor. All those positive feelings are connected with endorphins. The brain hormones have a significant influence on our moods and feelings. One of the biggest draws enticing people to return to tattooing is the process itself. Yes, getting a tattoo does hurt, but it’s the body’s response to this pain that makes getting tattooed feel so good. Your body releases endorphins and adrenaline, resulting in a euphoric state. This feeling makes it impossible to stop at just one tattoo!

Did you know about our Tampa tattoo studio? Check it out!

5. Tattoos Can Cover Up Scars

For many people, it is essential to cover scars after an injury. It is even more critical if any violence causes the scars. Looking at the scars can be triggering for victims who have post-traumatic stress disorder. A tattoo covering old scars can help you forget, forgive, and recover from the trauma. 

Covering up scars is also used in therapy after breast cancer. Women who have undergone a mastectomy often get nipples tattooed on their breast reconstruction. If you’ve never seen a 3D nipple tattoo, it is worth the Google search. It’s a fantastic tattoo that helps women recover from the trauma of losing their breasts and helps them feel whole again. 

6. Tattoos Create Lasting Connections and Memories

One of the unique aspects of tattoos is their ability to create lasting connections and memories. Tattoos often hold deep personal meaning for individuals, representing important events, people, or beliefs. Getting a tattoo can be a transformative and cathartic experience, allowing individuals to commemorate special moments or honor loved ones. Tattoos serve as permanent reminders of significant life experiences, acting as visual symbols of personal growth and resilience. They can also serve as conversation starters, fostering connections and shared experiences when others notice and inquire about the tattoo’s meaning. Through the art of tattooing, individuals have the power to etch their stories onto their skin, creating a memorable connection between their past, present, and future selves.

Feeling Inkspired?

Getting a tattoo on a drunken Saturday night is a thing of the past. Tattoos are custom, sentimental, life-changing, and inspiring. Being a Tattoo Artist is not only a fantastic career that allows you to set your own schedule with strong income potential, but it also gives you the power to change someone’s life literally. 

At Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship, we offer a job-ready training upon completing your tattoo apprenticeship. If you were on the fence about changing careers due to finding a job after your training, Problem Solved! Stop waiting because it’s time you start making a living from your art! Seats to our tattoo apprenticeship are limited, so chat with one of our advisors today at www.tattooschool.com. 

 Submit your art today for enrollment consideration and start your journey toward becoming a Professional Tattoo Artist! Call/.