This is not an apprenticeship. FT 3rd Key The 3rd key of Hart & Huntington Tattoo assists the Store Manager in motivating and inspiring their team to achieve store productivity goals. They help the ...
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This is not an apprenticeship. FT 3rd Key The 3rd key of Hart & Huntington Tattoo assists the Store Manager in motivating and inspiring their team to achieve store productivity goals. They help the ...
Tattoo Apprentice information
See Tennessee salary details
$11.35 - $13.41
8% of jobs
$15.47 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.41 - $15.47
17% of jobs
$15.47 - $17.53
24% of jobs
The median wage is $17.68 / hr.
$17.53 - $19.60
15% of jobs
$19.60 - $21.66
8% of jobs
$21.66 - $23.72
2% of jobs
$23.95 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$23.72 - $25.78
9% of jobs
$25.78 - $27.85
3% of jobs
$27.85 - $29.91
5% of jobs
$29.91 - $31.97
4% of jobs
$31.97 - $34.04
4% of jobs
$11
$20
$34
How much do tattoo apprentice jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for tattoo apprentice in Tennessee is $20.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a tattoo apprentice?
Tattoo apprentices are individuals who are learning the art and profession of tattooing under the guidance of an experienced tattoo artist, usually in a licensed studio. During their apprenticeship, they observe, assist, and gradually practice tattooing skills, including hygiene, design, and machine handling. This hands-on training typically lasts one to three years and prepares apprentices to become professional tattoo artists. Completion of an apprenticeship is often required for licensing in many regions.
What does a tattoo apprentice do?
As a tattoo apprentice, you work in a tattoo studio under the supervision of an experienced tattoo artist to gain experience. Your job responsibilities focus on assisting with studio operations while training to become a professional tattoo artist. Your duties include learning to design tattoos, operate tattooing equipment, and follow health and safety guidelines for the entire process. According to the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT), apprenticeships should be at least three years long. In addition to learning the art of tattooing, you need to meet the other training and education requirements that your state or city requires for a tattoo license.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tattoo apprentice, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Tattoo Apprentice, you need strong artistic ability, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of hygiene and safety standards, often supported by a portfolio of original artwork. Familiarity with tattoo machines, sterilization equipment, and industry-standard inks is essential, and completing a bloodborne pathogens certification is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and a willingness to learn from experienced artists are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, high-quality tattoos, client satisfaction, and professional growth in a competitive industry.
What are some common challenges faced by tattoo apprentices during their training period?
Tattoo apprentices often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced studio environment, learning proper hygiene and safety protocols, and developing technical drawing skills under supervision. Balancing hands-on practice with observing experienced artists can be demanding, and constructive feedback is frequent as you build your portfolio. Additionally, apprentices may have to handle cleaning duties and customer interactions, which helps them understand the full scope of running a successful tattoo practice.
What is the difference between Tattoo Apprentice vs Tattoo Artist?
| Aspect | Tattoo Apprentice | Tattoo Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Usually no formal certification; on-the-job training | Professional certification or licensing often required |
| Work Environment | Learning environment in a tattoo studio | Independent or studio work, client-facing |
| Experience Level | Beginner, in training | Experienced professional |
| Responsibilities | Assisting, learning techniques, shadowing | Designing and applying tattoos |
In summary, a Tattoo Apprentice is in training and gaining skills under supervision, while a Tattoo Artist is a fully qualified professional who creates tattoos independently.
How do I get a tattoo apprenticeship?
To get a tattoo apprenticeship, you should build a portfolio of your artwork, often including drawings and designs, and approach local tattoo shops to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities. Some shops require a background in art or design, and apprentices typically start with basic skills before learning tattooing techniques under supervision.
How do I get into tattooing with no experience?
To become a tattoo apprentice, you should build a portfolio of artwork, often starting with traditional art skills, and seek out apprenticeship opportunities at tattoo studios. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, good hygiene practices, and a willingness to learn are essential, as apprenticeships typically involve shadowing experienced artists and practicing on synthetic skin or fruit before tattooing clients.
Is it hard to get a tattoo apprenticeship?
Getting a tattoo apprenticeship can be competitive because many aspiring artists seek mentorship to learn skills like needle techniques and sanitation. Applicants often need a strong portfolio, artistic ability, and sometimes prior art experience to increase their chances of acceptance.
More about Tattoo Apprentice jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tattoo jobs in Tennessee?
The most popular types of Tattoo jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Tattoo Apprentice jobs in Tennessee?
For Tattoo Apprentice jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tattoo Apprentice jobs in Tennessee look for?
The top searched job categories for Tattoo Apprentice jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Tattoo Apprentice jobs?
Cities in Tennessee with the most Tattoo Apprentice job openings:
$15 - $17/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 19 days ago
Job description
Are you ready to have some fun?
When you work at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co, you get to share what you love most about tattoos and artwork with the coolest customers around. From showing off our latest creations to finding a unique design for a client, no day is ever the same. And with tons of chances for you to keep learning and advancing, its a big job with even bigger opportunities.
We are currently interviewing for a full-time key holder position.
To qualify, we'd like you to have at least 1-3 years of retail sales experience and or management experience.
We are located at 137 2nd Ave. N. #201 Downtown Nashville TN. 37201
Our ideal candidate is self-driven, ambitious, and engaged.
This is not an apprenticeship.
Job Description
FT 3rd Key
The 3rd key of Hart & Huntington Tattoo assists the Store Manager in motivating and inspiring their team to achieve store productivity goals. They help the Store Manager to analyze daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and year to date sales, and develop action plans to drive maximum sales potential. Other responsibilities include; managing tattoo health and safety standards, ensuring the individual and collective skills of the team are utilized effectively, and both the staff and customer experience is positive. Effectively manages store operations, ensuring consistency and compliance.
Essential Functions:
· Assists Store Manager in responsibility for the store
· Must be well versed in all functions of Sales Associate and Key Holder positions
· Consistently creates a welcoming environment for the customer by greeting and assisting; as well as quickly responding to customer inquiries and needs
· Demonstrates desired behaviors for staff including driving sales, handling difficult and/or complicated sales, cash management, inventory, and follow-up with customers
· Act as a mentor to coach employees and offer feedback
· Assists Store Manager with providing a strong leadership presence and control in store, while ensuring that all customers receive good service and quality tattoos and merchandise
· Utilizes company tools to diagnose opportunities and develops action plans to improve performance
· Ability to stay focused during busy times and delegate tasks to employees to keep business running smoothly
· Forecasts/reforecast business, focusing on productivity to meet sales goals
· Receives/answers emails and processes online tattoo deposits
· Identifies opportunities to drive traffic into the store through community events
· Regularly communicates with Store Manager to discuss strengths, opportunities, and trends in business
· Assists Store Manager in maintaining high quality health and safety standards that comply with the Health Department and H&H’s policies.
· Assists Store Manager in delivering consistent, in the moment, feedback and coaching
· Ensures company standards are met for store and associate appearance at all times
· Prioritizes, plans, and adjusts schedules as necessary to maximize sales
· Receives / Processes vendor deliveries and stocks sales floor in a timely manner
· Responsible for refilling inventory and office/tattoo supply stock levels and reordering or requesting as necessary
· Enforces all company policies and procedures, including health, safety, and security
· Selling as required
· Manages and controls shrink
· Performs all duties as directed by supervisor
Qualifications
Education/Experience: 1-3 years experience in retail store management
Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with confidence to both employees and customers. Possess strong written communication skills.
Mathematic Skills: Basic math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ability to use a calculator and calculate percentages and ratios. Must be able to make change in American monetary units.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to multi-task, while being attentive to customers and remaining flexible to the needs of the business. Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative independent of direct supervision.
Physical Demands: This position involves constant moving, talking, hearing, reaching, grabbing and standing for at least 3 consecutive hours. May occasionally involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. Vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Involves lifting at least 30 lbs.
Other Skills: Must be an excellent organizer and problem solver with strong project management skills. Enthusiastic, friendly, and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding service.
Work Hours: Available to work a variety of hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts. Must maintain availability that meets the needs of the business and allows for flexibility in scheduling.
Skills Required
· Financial and Business Acumen: Ability to evaluate financial and business indicators and translate data into actionable information to drive results
· Problem Solving & Decision Quality: Able to build constructive and effective relationships
· Ability to influence at all levels, as well as a demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and be assertive in driving successful management strategies
· Influencing and Negotiation: Can present ideas and directions that lead others to action
· Planning and priority Setting: Demonstrate an ability to set objectives and goals and organize work appropriately to meet and exceed goals. Possess strong organizational and time management skills
· Demonstrates strong listening, written and oral communication skills
. Demonstrates experience with IG/FB etc.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
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