Loading...
Loading...
Texas does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Texas compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Texas 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.
Texas 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
Texas 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/Studio Only
Regulation Level
State
Browse Tattoo Artist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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 Texas: $34,600/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.
Texas Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Texas 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.
Texas regulates tattoo studios through the Department of State Health Services. The state focuses on studio licensing rather than individual artist licensing. Tattooing a minor is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas.
Texas licenses tattoo STUDIOS through the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), but individual tattoo artists are NOT required to be licensed. Only facilities need licensing.
Bloodborne pathogen training (6 hours) is required for all tattoo practitioners.
No formal apprenticeship is required at the state level.
Tattoo establishments must obtain a separate shop license/permit.
Minor tattoo rules: 18+ only; no minors (tattooing minors is a Class A misdemeanor).
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
Texas ranks #38 out of 43 for lowest tattoo artist licensing fees ($450). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#34 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
$16,930
25th percentile
Median
$34,600
-43% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$50,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,140 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: Texas Department of State Health Services — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services — 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 Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tattoo Artist license to Texas →
Transfer your Tattoo Artist license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
While Texas 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.