How to Become a Body Piercer

Co-authored by Sasha Blue and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: July 28, 2024 Approved

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.

Qualifications for Becoming a Piercer

You have to be 18 or older, complete an apprenticeship, and get a piercing license. Depending on the requirements in your area, you may have to complete 1500 apprenticeship hours and complete any necessary classes (such as bloodborne pathogens training or a First Aid/CPR class) before you can apply for your license.

Question 1 of 7:

What qualifications do I need to become a piercer?

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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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EXPERT TIP

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

Question 2 of 7:

What classes do I need to take to become a piercer?

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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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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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Question 3 of 7:

How do I get a piercing apprenticeship?

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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]
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- 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.

Question 4 of 7:

How do you get a job as a piercer?

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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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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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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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Question 5 of 7:

What skills do you need as a piercer?

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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.
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.

Question 6 of 7:

How long does it take to become a piercer?

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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.

Question 7 of 7:

How much do piercers make?

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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.^{[9]
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- 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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How old do I have to be able to pierce someone?

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

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Can I become a piercer without becoming a tattoo artist?

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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.

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Should a tattoo artist have knowledge of tattoo removal also?

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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.

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Tips

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.

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Ask for advice and guidance from fellow piercers.

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