Tattoo Policy & Price Guide

A comparison chart of tattoo types, locations, and average costs, along with a list of tattoo designs and their price ranges.

🎨 1. How We Price Tattoos

Every tattoo is custom. Prices are based on size, detail, placement, and time — not just how long it takes, but how much skill, precision, and prep it requires.
Our current average shop rate is $125 per hour, with a minimum of $100 for any tattoo.

🩸 2. Tattoo Size & Average Cost Range

Tattoo Size Description Estimated Time Average Price

XS (1–2”) Tiny symbols, initials, fine line designs 30–60 min $100–$125

S (3–4”) Small black/grey or small flash 1–2 hrs $125–$250

M (5–6”) Palm or hand-sized piece 2–3 hrs $250–$375

L (7–8”) Half forearm, detailed color 4–5 hrs $500–$625

XL (9–10”) Quarter sleeve or upper arm 6–7 hrs $750–$875

XXL (12”+) Large chest, thigh, or back 8–10 hrs $1,000–$1,250

MEGA Full sleeve, back, or multi-session project 20–40 hrs $2,500–$5,000+

💡 These are averages — your final quote depends on detail, placement, and skin type.

📍 3. Body Placement Adjustments

Some spots take longer and require extra care due to sensitivity or skin texture.

PlacementAdjustmentReasonForearm / Outer Bicep / Calf—Flat surface, easy healingChest / Shoulder / Thigh+10%Curves, movement, and setup timeRibs / Neck / Stomach+20%Painful, slower tattoo processHands / Feet / Head+25%Tough skin, more fading and touch-up work

🎯 4. What’s Included

✅ Professional single-use sterile setup
✅ Premium ink & aftercare instructions
✅ Lifetime artwork guarantee (we fix our own work free within 90 days)
✅ Comfort breaks and customized placement
✅ Design collaboration before we tattoo

5. Deposits & Payments

  • Deposit Required: 20–30% to book your appointment

  • Minimum Charge: $100 per tattoo (covers setup + sanitation)

  • Accepted Payments: Cash preferred; card payments add 3%

  • Rescheduling: Must notify at least 48 hours before your appointment

Deposits are non-refundable but transferable once with proper notice.

6. Why Clients Trust Dakota Dream Tattoos

  • Locally owned and artist-run

  • Licensed and inspected by state health authorities

  • Transparent pricing — no surprises

  • 5-star reviewed for cleanliness and artistry

  • Custom designs drawn with intention and meaning

  • Built on a solid foundation of values that include respect, honesty, and integrity. Trust is the most important thing in forming a good relationship with our clients — we earn it by showing up consistently, speaking straight, and delivering work that holds up long after the appointment is over. We listen, we collaborate, and we put our craft on the line every single time so you feel confident in the hands you chose.

Shop minimum for tattoos is $100. 

Our Hourly Rate is $125 - $250. 

We offer discounted rates for full day and half day sessions.

15% Discount for Veterans, Police Officers, Service Members and First Responders.

Consultation with the artist is free by appointment and is encouraged.

Deposits are required to schedule an appointment.

Deposits are non refundable and typically non transferable in most cases.

Walk-ins are welcome. Walk-ins are subject to artists availability and attended to on a first come first serve basis.

In the event you need to reschedule your appointment, please do so 48 or more hours prior to your appointment to avoid forfeiture of your deposit.

Even though we advise against this, minors over the age of 16 are allowed to get tattoos with parental consent either in person or by a notarized affidavit that can be picked up at our shop. It is against the law to tattoo anyone under the age of 16 in the State of North Dakota.

We reserve the right to refuse service to anybody for any reason or for no reason. Be respectful and you will be respected at our shop.

Please Note on Pricing:

OUR HOURLY RATE FOR IN-HOUSE ARTISTS IS $125/HR - $250/HR (keep in mind that artists that charge more are typically faster at completing tattoos, good quality is always expected)

RIBS, NECK, STOMACH AND HEAD IS 150/HR

BLACKOUT IS $200/HR

CUSTOM DESIGNS ARE $50-$150 UP FRONT PER DESIGN W/ REASONABLE CUSTOMER MODIFICATION REQUESTS

NOTE* - THE DESIGN REMAINS OUR PROPERTY AS WE DO NOT DESIGN TATTOOS FOR OTHER ARTISTS OR SHOPS TO TAKE CREDIT FOR

These are non-negotiable rates, SO DON’T ASK for a lower one. However, you can ask for a set price based on the size and intricacy of the tattoo.

It is at the discretion of the artist whether or not they will charge by the hour or set a price based on the piece. As every piece is unique and comes with its own challenges, our intention is to always be fair to our clients as well as our artists. Realize, that the artist does not get to keep all of the money that they charge you. All of us here at Dakota Dream Tattoos must put in our fair share for the costs that come with running a tattoo shop. It’s not cheap, which is why we work diligently to always grow in our craft so that you get the highest quality work possible.

Touch Up Policy:

We offer complimentary touch-ups for tattoos within six months, excluding those on hands, feet, inner lips and areas that are prone to ink falling out due to placement or scar tissue. Touch-ups required due to improper aftercare are not complimentary. Email us a photo of your tattoo if you have a question about this.

The prices listed on this page serve as a general guide for  tattoo services  and may not reflect the final amount you will be charged for your tattoo. Our pricing is based on many factors such as local competition, special event pricing, individual artist skill level, and costs of operations and materials. Because our reputation and trust is important, the final price agreement will be made with your artist before you begin the tattoo process.