Tattoo removal costs about $353 per session in 2026
CareCredit lists about $353 per session, with a range of $272 to $659. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists $697 as a benchmark fee. Studio pricing by size runs about $100 to $250 a session for small tattoos, $250 to $500 for medium, and $500 to $1,000 or more for large or full color work.
Cost by size
| Average session | About $353, range $272 to $659 (CareCredit, March 2026). |
|---|---|
| Small tattoo | $100 to $250 per session. |
| Medium tattoo | $250 to $500 per session. |
| Large or full color | $500 to $1,000 or more per session. |
| One national chain | $150 to $500 per session. |
What pushes a quote up
| Size | The biggest price driver. |
|---|---|
| Ink color | Some colors need more sessions. |
| Age of the tattoo | Older ink can fade faster. |
| Skin type | Affects settings and sessions. |
| Goal | Fading for a cover up takes fewer sessions than full removal. |
Tattoo removal cost by region
| Lower cost states | $220 to $525. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $272 to $659. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $350 to $850. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Clinic prices vary by city.
Per session pricing adds up
Most clinics charge per session, not per tattoo, and full removal takes several sessions spaced weeks apart. Ask the clinic for a realistic session estimate for your tattoo before you start, then multiply.
If you only want to fade a tattoo for a cover up, you may need far fewer sessions than for full removal.
Bookedin notes many studios now offer flat rate packages for a set number of sessions at a discount.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask the per session price.
- Ask how many sessions they expect.
- Ask about packages.
- Ask which laser they use.
- Ask about aftercare.
Ways to pay less
- Fade for a cover up instead of full removal.
- Buy a package once you trust the clinic.
- Compare two clinics.
- Follow aftercare to avoid extra sessions.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much does tattoo removal cost?
About $353 per session on average, $272 to $659.
How much for a small tattoo?
About $100 to $250 per session.
How many sessions will I need?
Several. Ask the clinic for an estimate for your tattoo.
Is it cheaper to fade for a cover up?
Yes, fading usually takes fewer sessions.
Other health and dental costs
Photo: a Wikimedia Commons contributor, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped.