Can You Work While You Apprentice? (And What to Expect Financially)

Let’s be real:
Tattoo apprenticeships don’t come with a 401(k), a steady paycheck, or health benefits. In fact, most of them come with zero income and plenty of expenses.

So, can you work a job while you apprentice?
Short answer: Usually, yes. But it’s complicated.

First: Know What You’re Signing Up For

Apprenticeships are basically unpaid internships—but with bloodborne pathogens. You’re expected to be at the shop often, be available for cleaning, wrapping, and watching your mentor tattoo. Some days you’ll draw all day. Some days you’ll mop and go home.

And in most cases?
You're not allowed to tattoo clients for money until your mentor says you’re ready.

So, unless you’ve got savings or a sugar daddy:
You’re gonna need a side hustle.

Can You Work a Second Job While You Apprentice?

Most of the time, yes—as long as it doesn't interfere with shop hours.

But before you fill out an Indeed application:

✅ Ask Your Mentor

Some mentors want you in the shop full-time. Others are flexible as long as you show up, shut up, and improve. Just be honest about your situation. If your mentor’s response is “figure it out” and you’re living off instant noodles, that’s a red flag.

✅ Pick a Job with Flexible Hours

You want something you can dip in and out of without it wrecking your energy.

Good options:

• Serving or bartending (fast money, odd hours)

• Freelance art or commissions

• Retail (if the shifts line up)

• Delivery apps (UberEats, DoorDash, etc.)

Jobs that don't mix well:

• 9-to-5 office gigs

• Physically exhausting trades

• Anything that expects full-time availability

What You'll Likely Pay Out-of-Pocket

Even if your apprenticeship is free, you're still going to drop some cash.
Typical expenses include:

And that's before you start tattooing skin.

So, How Do People Afford to Apprentice?

Some common survival tactics:

• Living at home (if you’re lucky)

• Working nights/weekends

• Saving before starting

• Partner support (financial or emotional)

• Small loans or credit (risky but real)

• Strategic ramen consumption

Just know: You’re not a failure for needing a job.
You’re a person trying to build a career in one of the hardest industries to break into.

Final Thoughts

Apprenticeship isn’t just a creative journey—it’s a financial sacrifice.
But with a solid plan and a mentor who respects your hustle, you can balance a job while learning to tattoo.

Just don’t expect to sleep much for a while.