how to become a professional piercer

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If you have a lot of piercings or you plan on getting some in the future, you may have wondered about becoming a body piercer yourself. While the requirements for body piercers vary from state to state, all of them have roughly the same rules and regulations. Once you're certified and have some experience under your belt, you can put your skills to work and pursue the job of your dreams.

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Check your state or country's requirements. Different states and countries have slightly different requirements for becoming a piercer. Though the requirements are generally similar, read over the requirements in your area to make sure that you are on the right path before enrolling in training classes or starting an apprenticeship. Usually, you'll have to be 18 or older, have completed an apprenticeship, and have a piercing license.^[1]

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Check with your county's health department to check the requirements to be a licensed piercer.

Sasha Blue

Professional Body Piercer

Sasha Blue is a Professional Body Piercer and the Owner of 13 Bats Tattoo and Piercing Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sasha has over 20 years of professional body piercing experience, starting with her apprenticeship in 1997. She is licensed with the County of San Francisco in California.

Sasha Blue
Professional Body Piercer

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A bloodborne pathogens training class. Before you get licensed to be a body piercer, you will need to attend several training classes. One of these is a bloodborne pathogens class, which will teach you how to protect yourself and your patrons from diseases that can be passed through needles. Make sure that the class you're taking is given by the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), or meets their regulations.^[2]
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A First Aid/CPR class. Body piercers sometimes encounter stressful situations where patrons need medical assistance. Because of this, anyone who wishes to be a piercer is required to take a First Aid/CPR class. Try to take one given by Red Cross, the YMCA, or another reputable organization.^[3]

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Research studios in your area. The majority of your training and learning will happen through an apprenticeship at a body piercing studio. Research different body piercing studios in your area that you would be interested in learning at, and take a look at their reviews online. Ideally, you should find a clean, safe space that follows piercing guidelines well. Some studios might only take you on if you also tattoo, so be sure to ask ahead of time.^[4]
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Go door to door to ask about apprenticeships. Most body piercing studios don't advertise their apprenticeships online, so the most common way to find an apprenticeship is to visit different studios and ask if they are willing to take on apprentices. You can bring along a resumé if you have one. Don't feel like you have to speak or dress formally—a lot of piercing studios have a casual, independent environment, so while you should come across as driven and articulate, you don't have to be overly formal.^[5]
- You could say something like, "I was wondering if you take on apprentices here at Dragon Piercing. I think that you do really great work, and it would be great to be able to learn from such a professional studio."
- Studios will be looking for apprentices with confidence and strong people skills. Remember to stand up straight, smile and speak clearly and with confidence.
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Get licensed with your state or county. Check the way that your state or country certifies body piercers. You will likely have to submit the certificates for your blood pathogens and CPR/First Aid classes, as well as prove that you have completed an apprenticeship for 1 to 3 years. You may have to pay a small fee to get certified.^[6]
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Assemble a portfolio. Put together a print portfolio that has pictures of your past work that you did during your apprenticeship. This is a good way for studios to make sure that you are an able and qualified piercer, and will improve your chances of getting hired. Also ask the mentor or shop owner at the studio your were an apprentice at for a letter of recommendation.^[7]
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Look for opportunities in person or online. First, reach out to the studio you did an apprenticeship at and see if they'll hire you on full time. If not, check out studios in your area to see if they're hiring. You can usually apply online or head there in person to talk to the owner.^[8]

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Learn the sterilization and safety procedures of the studio. Creating and maintaining a safe environment is an enormous part of learning how to be a body piercer. Take note of the measures the studio you're training at takes to ensure their clients' piercings will be infection-free.^[9]
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Learn how to do each type of piercing. Piercing procedure varies greatly depending on what part of the body you're piercing, and what kind of piercing your client wants. Try to do all the basic piercings like septum and earlobe piercings, as well as the more obscure ones like rook and snake bite piercings. The more piercings you know how to do, the more work you'll get as a piercer.^[10]

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Anywhere from 6 months to several years. The longest part of the process is doing your body piercing apprenticeship. Each state has their own guidelines, but you'll usually have to complete around 1500 hours of apprenticeship time before you can apply for your license. You'll also need to make time for your first aid / CPR classes.^[11]

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It ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. When you first start out, you'll probably be making close to minimum wage. As you get more experience and become more comfortable piercing, you can up your salary and the services that you offer.^[12]
- Salaries may also vary depending on where you live. Larger cities usually pay more than smaller towns, and there may be more job opportunities in urban areas.
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Question

Can I take apprenticeships at different locations if I can't stay in one area?

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Staff Answer

Most states require you to have a certain amount of hours in one particular shop under a single mentor. If you have to move around, check the guidelines of the state you'd like to work as a piercer in. However, you may have to stay in one spot until your apprenticeship is over to get it to count.
Question

If I took an EMT class, does that count for a CPR and first aid class?

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, you may be able to count your EMT class as your first aid class. Write a letter to the licensing board explaining what the class is and how it qualifies you to become a piercer. If they deem it as acceptable, you won't have to take a CPR or first aid class.
Question

How old do I have to be able to pierce someone?

Usually 18 in most areas to get licensed but look up your state's regulations for the accurate details relevant to your area.
Question

Can I become a piercer without becoming a tattoo artist?

It depends on where you live. Some states require you to be both, while others stipulate that the practices must be separate. Check your state laws.
Question

Should a tattoo artist have knowledge of tattoo removal also?

Absolutely. You are doing art on a person that lasts a lifetime. With new technology constantly evolving, a certain degree of removal is possible. Artists need to understand the details of various removal techniques and be able to convey to a customer what the procedures and options are.
Question

Do I need a high school diploma/GED or to be a certain age to become a piercer?

Every state has different requirements. You must be a certain age, but not all states require a high school diploma or GED.
Question

Can I be a piercer if I don't have any piercings myself?

Yes. The amount of piercings you have does not equate to ability or lack thereof.
Question

Do I need to have injections to become a piercer?

Yes. To avoid any transmitted diseases, it is important to stay on top of your necessary vaccinations.
Question

How old do I have to be to become an apprentice?

At least 18, though the business or particular piercer with whom you wish to apprentice may require you to be older.
Question

Is there any cost to become a professional piercer's apprentice?

When you do an 'Apprenticeship Leading to Employment', you will pay a small fee in exchange for the knowledge the studio is giving you. If you're doing this type of apprenticeship, you will start earning a percentage of your piercing fees after a few weeks. It's a good idea to keep a second job during your apprenticeship.

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Apprenticeships usually don't pay much (or even anything at all). You may have to pick up a part time job until you get certified.
Ask for advice and guidance from fellow piercers.

Never pierce yourself or anyone else out of the sterile environment of a piercing studio.^[13]

About This Article

Article SummaryX

If you want to become a body piercer, attend medical classes on first aid and diseases. Then, get vaccinated against transferable diseases, and purchase your tools to begin your apprenticeship. Find a studio where you want to train, and submit an application to begin working there part time to learn the trade, which takes 1-3 years. Learn how to do a variety of different types of piercings, and follow all sanitation rules closely while you work. Once you have finished your apprenticeship, apply for licensure by the state to be a professional piercer. For tips on choosing a studio for your apprenticeship and getting a job as a piercer, scroll down!

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