Loading...
Loading...
Colorado does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Colorado compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Official website →303-692-2000
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Colorado does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local counties or cities may have their own health and safety requirements. Always check with your local health department.
Colorado is one of the few states that does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before operating a tattoo studio.
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Colorado does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required to practice as a tattoo artist. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may impose their own requirements.
Regulation Type
None (county-level varies)
Regulation Level
State rules, county enforcement
Browse Tattoo Artist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Colorado Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Colorado does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements for tattoo establishments, including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before opening a studio or beginning to tattoo.
Colorado state rules (6 CCR 1010-22) set body art establishment standards, but enforcement and permitting are handled by county health departments. Home-based tattooing may be permitted if a dedicated area meets all regulations.
Colorado has state rules (6 CCR 1010-22) but enforcement is at the county level.
Home-based tattoo operations may be allowed with a dedicated procedure area meeting regulations.
Plan review may be required for new facilities depending on the county.
Bloodborne pathogen training is required.
Requirements and fees vary by county.
Colorado does NOT have a statewide tattoo license. Regulation is handled entirely at the county level.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
See how Colorado compares: Tattoo Artist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27-1013)
Entry Level
$53,700
25th percentile
Median
$74,010
+22% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$88,490
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
180 employed in this state
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for tattoo artists. This data uses "Fine Artists" as the closest available category. Actual tattoo artist income varies significantly and often includes cash tips not captured in BLS data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.5%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+1,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
4,100
per year (avg.)
49,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tattoo Artist license to Colorado →
Transfer your Tattoo Artist license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
While Colorado does not require a state-level license for tattoo artists, maintaining high standards of health and safety is essential. Consider voluntary BBP training and professional certifications to demonstrate competence to clients.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.