How to Calculate Your Tattoo Artist Salary After Tax in Australia
Pay for tattoo artists varies widely; median weekly earnings are not published. Minimum rates are set by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award, and the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour.
How to Calculate Your Tattoo Artist Salary After Tax in Australia
Understanding Tattoo Artist Pay
Tattoo artists are classified as Body Artists under ANZSCO. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 3,700 employed body artists, with 51% working part-time. Median weekly earnings are not published, meaning pay varies widely. Many tattoo artists are self-employed or work on commission. For those employed, the Hair and Beauty Industry Award sets minimum rates.
Award Rates and Minimum Wage
If you are an employee, your minimum pay is covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). However, award classifications may have higher rates. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for your classification.
Calculating Take-Home Pay
Your take-home pay is what reaches your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. Use the 2026–27 tax rates:
- Up to $18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
- $45,001–$135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
- $135,001–$190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000
You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) if your taxable income is below $66,667.
Medicare Levy
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. If you are single and earn below $28,011, you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, the levy is reduced on a sliding scale (10c per $1 over the lower threshold). Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Full-time salaries typically pay the full 2%.
Superannuation
From 1 July 2026, your employer must pay super at 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is paid on top of your salary. Job advertisements often state "plus super".
Example Calculation
Assume you earn $60,000 per year as an employed tattoo artist. Your tax would be:
- $4,020 + 30% of ($60,000 - $45,000) = $4,020 + $4,500 = $8,520
- Less LITO: $325 - 1.5c per $1 over $45,000 = $325 - $225 = $100 (so tax becomes $8,420)
- Medicare levy: 2% of $60,000 = $1,200
- Total deductions: $9,620
- Take-home: $60,000 - $9,620 = $50,380 per year, or about $1,937 per fortnight.
Note: This is an estimate only. Actual tax may vary due to rounding, HELP/HECS, or other factors.
Self-Employed Tattoo Artists
If you are self-employed, you pay tax on your net profit. You must also pay your own super and may need to register for GST if your turnover exceeds $75,000. Use the Clearance tool to estimate your tax.
Key Takeaways
- Tattoo artist salary is not a fixed figure; check award rates or your agreement.
- Use the 2026–27 tax rates and Medicare thresholds to estimate take-home.
- Super is additional to your salary.
- For personalised estimates, use our Take-home pay guide.
Questions
What is the average tattoo artist salary in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish median weekly earnings for body artists. Pay varies by experience, location, and employment type. Check the Hair and Beauty Industry Award for minimum rates.
How do I calculate my take-home pay as a tattoo artist?
Subtract income tax (using the 2026–27 tax brackets) and the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income, with exemptions for low earners) from your gross salary. Super is not deducted from your pay.
Do I pay the Medicare levy if I earn under $28,011?
No. If you are single and your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced amount.