Laser Tattoo Removal Career

The tattoo removal process is becoming nearly as common as getting tattoos which makes a laser tattoo removal career an exciting prospect for skin care specialists and other health and beauty professionals.

If you are curious whether a tattoo removal career is right for you, this article focuses on the rising industry demand, what the work involves and how to train.

Why Tattoo Removal Demand Is Rising

Globally, the tattoo removal industry was valued at USD 1.29 billion in 2025 according to Fortune Business Insights and it is anticipated to grow from nearly 1.5 billion dollars in 2026 to almost 4.9 billion dollars by 2034, along with a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 15.98% during the forecast period. 

These kinds of numbers are a strong indicator that laser-based treatments and the tattoo removal industry shows no signs of slowing down.

Fortune Business Insights also states that tattoo removal has become one of the most popular medical aesthetic treatments in recent years. While tattoos are still popular, so is the growing interest in either updating existing ones or even removing ones due to regret.

According to a 2023 study by Advanced Dermatology, a North Shore, Australia-based dermatological clinic (shared by Fortune Business Insights):

• One in four Americans regrets having at least one tattoo
• 19% regret for the tattoos of letters/scripts
• 16% regret for the tattoos of symbols
• 12% regret for the tattoos of names
• 10% regret for the tattoos of animal-related art
• 9% regret for the tattoos showcasing tribal aspects

These tattoo industry statistics are another indicator the tattoo removal business continues to need trained professionals who can provide services for those who are looking to remove or update their unwanted tattoos.     

A tattoo artist at Artistic Tattoo in Phoenix stated that tattoo removal takes more work and costs more than getting a tattoo originally, citing roughly $2,000 for a business-card-sized tattoo. He also advised against tattooing a partner’s name, describing couples who returned months later to cover them, and described the laser process itself as unpleasant.

A Career That Changes Lives

Training in laser tattoo removal can go well beyond a career, as some graduates have referred to it as a calling, with technicians who have helped battered women’s shelters, former inmates, gang members and cancer survivors who want to remove ink, including ink used to mark radiation targeting. 

Many technicians offer free treatments to give back, while regular clients may pay thousands of dollars in total. The industry as a whole is described as a very fulfilling one. 

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Technicians use high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colors in a tattoo. Larger or more colorful tattoos need more pulses and sessions, and ink colors significantly affect the timeframe. 

One treatment rarely gives permanent results. Many clients need 5 to 12 plus treatments for clear results, usually spaced 4 to 5 weeks apart. Most patients don’t need anesthesia, though topical numbing is an option.

What Can You Earn?

Sessions take from about 30 seconds to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area, so technicians can see multiple clients within an hour, and many properly trained technicians can see up to a dozen clients per day. 

The earning potential can be very good as one laser tattoo removal session can be anywhere between $200 to $500 dollars. So if you see a minimum of 10 clients a day at $500 dollars a session that equates to 5K a day!

Training Requirements

Requirements vary by state, but most require being at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. Contact an advisor with questions about your state.

Tattoo Removal Training At National Laser Institute

National Laser Institute is the leading laser school in the nation. Our laser tattoo removal training course takes two weeks or less and covers fundamentals, laser safety skin-tissue interaction, skin types and lasers, client consultations, the Fitzpatrick scale and practice with scheduled clients in a medical spa.

The Online Comprehensive Laser Course includes live demonstrations and several modalities, including tattoo removal, followed by hands-on clinicals at one of our nationwide locations.

For more information see our tattoo removal training page.

Where Graduates Work

Graduates typically work in medical spas, laser clinics, tattoo parlors, or dermatology clinics or open their own businesses. The job suits people who enjoy building client relationships, and medical aesthetics is a good option for anyone who wants to work directly with clients.

Getting Started

National Laser Institute has been an industry leader for over 20 years and trains hundreds of students monthly at both our Scottsdale, Arizona and Dallas, Texas campuses. 

Financing options are available, and learn more from our happy alumni. Fill out our form today to get started or call 800-982-6817 to speak with one of our advisors now.