Piercers tend to make the most money in major cities where there's high demand for body modifications, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
In 2019: Close to 20% of piercers surveyed earned under $20000 annually, and even fewer took in between $30000 and $40000; fewer still made between $40000 and $50000. Only 8.3% made more than $80000 per year. Over 40% of the piercers work as independent contractors.
> In 2019: Close to 20% of piercers surveyed earned under $20000 annually, and even fewer took in between $30000 and $40000; fewer still made between $40000 and $50000. Only 8.3...
Body piercing is an industry that employs individuals with specialized skills and artistry. While professional body piercers do not require a formal education or certification, they need to complete enough training to comfortably and safely work with needles and customers' bodies.
A piercer always has the right to end any experience that doesn't feel safe or appropriate. Perhaps the most common reason for turning away a piercing is the client's anatomy (or lack of).
How much does a Piercing Apprentice make at Studs Piercing in the United States? The estimated average pay for Piercing Apprentice at this company in the United States is $22.07 per hour, which is 96% above the national average.
$5-$10 for their time is a nice way to say “thanks.” Maybe they spent a decent amount of time with you, lined up multiple piercings or helping you decide on the exact placement. $10-$30 per piercing will show how much you appreciate the skill and effort they put into making everything perfect.
However, it is essential to note that piercing guns are less precise than needles and may cause more tissue damage, increasing pain and the risk of complications for clients. Most piercers using gun piercing are untrained, as professional piercers have universally adopted needles as the preferred method.
Your potential piercer should earn your trust by demonstrating knowledge and competency. Before taking your money, a piercer should be willing to provide a consultation to inspect your anatomy, discuss jewelry selection, the procedure, potential risks and complications, the healing process, and aftercare guidelines.
Required Education:
Body art specific OSHA approved Bloodborne Pathogens Training, compliant with local regulations. The Association of Professional Piercers online BBP Program is highly recommended if an in person, industry specific course is not readily available.
In most cases, piercers income is completely based on how many piercings they do. It is extremely rare that a piercer has a base salary. In most cases, they are paid either a percentage of the overall cost of each piercing or a flat amount for each piercing. So, if no one comes in they don't get paid.
Body piercing offers benefits such as opportunities for growth, transferable skills , interaction with other industry professionals, and flexible work hours.
Body Piercing Jewelry Market size was valued at USD 8.15 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.89 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.14% from 2024 to 2031.
Explore the incredible world of Elaine Davidson, the woman with 4,225 piercings, setting a record for the most in history.
At Studs, we only pierce ears and we only use single-use sterilized needles. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll join Studs as a full-time or part-time Piercer! Graduated apprentices can make $31-36/hour, plus tips.
Pain Level: While everyone's pain tolerance varies, needle piercings tend to be less painful because the process is more controlled and the needle is sharper, allowing it to glide through the tissue with less resistance.
Some U.S. states and some European countries have banned piercing guns for use on ear cartilage and nostrils. Improper use of ear-piercing instruments on areas of the body not intended for their use can lead to problems with healing and placement.
Look for implant certified titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) that is ASTM F-136 compliant, ASTM F1295, ISO 5832-3 compliant, or commercially pure titanium that is ASTM F-67 compliant. Niobium has been widely used by piercers with good results for many years.
As of Mar 13, 2025, the average annual pay for a Piercer in California is $67,945 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $32.67 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,306/week or $5,662/month.
The price of the piercing ranges from $30 on the lower end to $75 on the upper end. In most cases, you can probably expect to pay around $40 - $50 for the piercing alone. Jewelry will cost extra. This price should include any further consultation.
Becoming a piercer requires knowledge of body and facial piercing techniques and safety practices. You must also have strong interpersonal communication skills so that you can calm nervous clients and communicate with them about how to take care of their piercings after they leave the studio.
Usually, you'll have to be 18 or older, have completed an apprenticeship, and have a piercing license. Check with your county's health department to check the requirements to be a licensed piercer.