How Much Does It Cost to Start a Tattoo Shop in Montana?

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Starting a Tattoo Shop in Montana typically costs between $21,200 and $212,000, with a median estimate of $62,540. Montana’s cost of living runs 6% above the national average, which increases commercial rent and labor costs. LLC formation in Montana costs $70 to file. Most tattoo shop businesses take 1-4 months to launch.

Last updated: March 2026

Tattoo Shop startup costs illustration — typical equipment and setup

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Tattoo Shop in Montana?

Low

$21,200

Medium

$62,540

High

$212,000

National average: $20,000 – $200,000

Interactive Startup Cost Calculator

Startup Cost Calculator

Tattoo Shop in Montana

Budget:

Studio Space Lease & Build-Out

$26,500

Tattoo Equipment

$8,480

Sterilization Equipment

$5,300

Licensing & Health Permits

$2,120

Disposable Supplies

$3,180

Insurance

$3,180

Marketing & Portfolio Development

$3,180

Working Capital Reserve

$10,600

Options

Include 3 months working capital

Employees:Just Me1–34–10

One-Time Costs

$62,540

Monthly Costs

First Year Total

$62,540

Full Cost Breakdown

Cost Category	Low	Medium	High	Notes
Studio Space Lease & Build-Out	$5,300	$26,500	$84,800	A 3-artist studio needs 800-1,500 sq ft. The aesthetic is central to attracting clients — invest in a distinctive look.
Tattoo Equipment	$2,120	$8,480	$26,500	Quality rotary machines (Cheyenne, FK Irons) cost $200-$500 each. Ink sets range from $200-$1,000. Needles are ongoing disposable costs.
Sterilization Equipment	$2,120	$5,300	$15,900	An autoclave is mandatory in most states for sterilizing reusable equipment. Quality autoclaves cost $1,500-$5,000.
Licensing & Health Permits	$530	$2,120	$6,360	Requirements vary significantly by state — some states have no tattoo artist licensing, others require 1,000+ hour apprenticeships.
Disposable Supplies	$1,060	$3,180	$8,480	All needles and many supplies must be single-use only. This is a significant ongoing operational cost.
Insurance	$1,060	$3,180	$8,480	Bloodborne pathogen liability and infection-related claims make professional liability essential for tattoo studios.
Marketing & Portfolio Development	$530	$3,180	$10,600	Instagram is the most important marketing channel for tattoo artists — post high-quality healed tattoo photos consistently.
Working Capital Reserve	$3,180	$10,600	$31,800	Established artists with Instagram followings can book out 2-3 months in advance within days of opening.
Total Startup Cost	$15,900	$62,540	$192,920	Required costs only

Licenses & Permits in Montana

General Business License

Montana does not have a statewide general business license. Businesses must register their entity with the Montana Secretary of State and register with the Montana Department of Revenue for withholding taxes. Montana has no sales tax, which simplifies business registration. Some Montana cities and counties require local business licenses. The state's outdoor economy and tourism industry influence many licensing requirements.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Food and Drug Establishment License — Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Food and Consumer Safety
Cost: $50-$400 • Renewal: Annual
Contractor Registration — Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Employment Relations Division
Cost: $70-$250 • Renewal: Annual
Cosmetology Salon License — Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Cost: $50-$150 • Renewal: Annual
Real Estate Broker License — Montana Board of Realty Regulation
Cost: $100-$300 • Renewal: Annual
Outfitter License — Montana Board of Outfitters
Cost: $200-$800 • Renewal: Annual
Child Care Facility License — Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Child Care Licensing
Cost: $50-$200 • Renewal: Annual
Beer or Liquor License — Montana Department of Revenue — Liquor Control Division
Cost: $400-$10,000 • Renewal: Annual
Pesticide Dealer License — Montana Department of Agriculture
Cost: $50-$150 • Renewal: Annual

Home-Based Business Rules

Home-based businesses in Montana face minimal regulation in rural and unincorporated areas, which make up most of the state's land area. Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls regulate home occupations through local zoning ordinances with standard restrictions on signage and customer traffic. Montana's cottage food law supports home-based food production. Remote home-based businesses are common in Montana's scattered rural communities.

Resources

Monthly Operating Costs

After launch, plan for these ongoing monthly expenses for your Tattoo Shop:

Low

$3,000/mo

Medium

$8,000/mo

High

$20,000/mo

Revenue Potential

Annual Revenue Range

$60,000 – $600,000 (annual)

Profit Margins

20-40%

Break-Even Timeline

6-18 months

How Montana Compares to Neighboring States

Montana is a higher-cost state for starting a Tattoo Shop, with a cost-of-living index of 105.6 (national average is 100). Compared to neighboring North Dakota ($58,410 median startup cost), Montana has higher costs for a Tattoo Shop.

State	Est. Cost	LLC Fee
Montana (current)	$62,540	$70
North Dakota	$58,410	$135
South Dakota	$57,230	$150
Wyoming	$59,000	$100
Idaho	$60,770	$100

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1
Opening without fully understanding state licensing requirements — some states require 1,000+ hour apprenticeships
2
Not having an autoclave or relying on cold sterilization only — health departments require autoclaves in most states
3
Hiring artists without reviewing their portfolio and sanitation practices thoroughly
4
Not maintaining bloodborne pathogen training records — health department inspections specifically check these
5
Undercharging — quality tattoo artists charge $150-$300/hour; racing to the bottom attracts problem clients

Next Steps to Launch Your Tattoo Shop

1
Obtain your Montana tattoo artist license from the Montana health department or board of licensure
2
Register your Tattoo Shop as an LLC with the Montana Secretary of State ($70 filing fee)
3
Obtain a Montana body art establishment permit — health departments inspect for bloodborne pathogen compliance
4
Complete bloodborne pathogen certification (OSHA BBP standard) for all artists and piercers
5
Purchase an autoclave sterilization unit and establish a sharps waste disposal contract per Montana requirements
6
Get professional liability and general liability insurance for tattoo operations ($1,500–$4,000/year)
7
Source single-use tattoo needles, inks, and PPE from licensed body art supply distributors
8
Set up your booking system and establish a portfolio review process — curate your team's specialty styles before opening

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening a tattoo shop costs $20,000 to $200,000. A small 2-artist private studio can open for $20,000-$50,000. A 4-6 artist shop with a full reception area and premium aesthetic typically costs $60,000-$150,000. A high-end custom tattoo studio in a prime location can exceed $200,000.

Licensing requirements vary dramatically by state. Some states (Idaho, Wyoming) have no statewide tattoo licensing. Others (California, Florida) require artist licenses plus shop permits. Most states require bloodborne pathogen training (8-hour course) and a health department establishment permit ($100-$500) at minimum.

Tattoo shop owners earn $40,000-$150,000+ annually. A 4-artist shop where artists average $1,500/week in bookings generates $312,000/year gross. The shop takes 40-50% from booth renters or commission artists and keeps 100% from walk-in sales of flash. Owner-artists keep all their own booking revenue plus the studio's cut.

Booth rental ($200-$500/week per station) is the industry standard for established artists. The shop provides space, utilities, and equipment in exchange for weekly rent. Commission arrangements (40-50% to artists) work better for apprentices and lower-volume artists. Most shops use both models.

Required permits include: business license, health department tattoo/body art establishment permit, bloodborne pathogen compliance documentation for all artists, autoclave spore testing records (monthly in most states), and in regulated states, individual artist licenses. Health inspections focus on sterilization protocol and disposable supply usage.

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Start a Tattoo Shop in Other States

See the national overview for Tattoo Shop or browse all businesses you can start in Montana.