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Michigan does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Michigan compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Body Art Licensing
Official website →(517) 335-8024
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Michigan 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.
Michigan 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
Michigan 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
Facility Only
Regulation Level
State
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Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$50
Study guides & supplies
Tattoo Artist Certification Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$50
Average Tattoo Artist salary in Michigan: $35,080/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Michigan Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Michigan 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.
Michigan requires a 2-year apprenticeship and licenses tattoo artists through LARA. The state has comprehensive body art regulations including specific sterilization and record-keeping requirements.
Michigan licenses body art FACILITIES only. Individual tattoo artists are NOT separately licensed by the state. Artists must work in state-licensed facilities.
Bloodborne pathogen training (8 hours) is required for all tattoo practitioners.
A 2 years apprenticeship under a licensed practitioner is required.
Tattoo establishments must obtain a separate shop license/permit.
Minor tattoo rules: 18+ only; no minors.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
Michigan ranks #34 out of 43 for lowest tattoo artist licensing fees ($375). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#33 of 51
Cost
#35 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
$31,140
25th percentile
Median
$35,080
-42% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$64,890
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90 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)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Body Art Licensing — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Body Art Licensing — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
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While Michigan 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.