Body piercers make an average salary of about $50,000 a year, which makes it a pretty comfortable job. On top of that, it’s just plain fun!
So, if you want to become a body piercer, how do you start? In general, to become a piercer, you’ll need to get a piercing license, find a studio to work from, and start using social media to gather clientele.
However, if you want to start a new career as a piercer, there are a couple of other steps you’ll need to know about. This guide walks you through how to become a piercer in just a few simple steps.
Step One: Meet the Prerequisites
Although to be a piercer, you don’t need a four-year college degree, you do have to meet a couple of prerequisites.
For one thing, you’ll need to be 18 years old or older. If you’re still underage, you won’t legally be able to become a piercer. However, you may be able to start training with someone who can show you the ropes so that when you do hit the 18-year age marker, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
You’ll also need to have good interpersonal skills. Being a piercer means you’ll be working with lots of different people, and that requires good communication skills.
Next, you’ll need to have good vision. If you’re not able to see clearly, you’ll have trouble accurately making piercings in the correct spot.
Lastly, you’ll need to double-check the requirements for piercers in your particular state, country, and locality. Piercing laws can vary greatly depending on where you’re based out of, and there may be additional requirements you’ll have to meet.
The Association of Professional Piercers lays out the ground requirements for piercers in all 50 states if you’re located within the US.
Step Two: Find a Mentor
One of the most important things piercers and tattoo artists can do is to find a mentor. In some states, you won’t actually be able to become a piercer without one!
Mentors sometimes need to have a specific number of years of experience under there belt. In general, you’ll want to find someone with between three and five years of experience piercing. You’ll also want someone with a solid reputation, who has a good portfolio to back up their work.
A good way to find a mentor is to ask around different local piercing shops. Although not everyone will be willing to become a mentor to you, asking a few different people can help you find someone who’s up to the task.
Step Three: Meet Health and Safety Requirements
Although not all states and countries will require you to undergo health and safety training, many will. A couple of the common health and safety certifications you may need to get include:
- First aid
- CPR
- OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens training
- APP’s Infection Control Plans training
- APP’s Exposure Control Plans training
- PPE Standard courses
There may also be additional requirements based on where you’re living. Be sure to look into these regulations before getting started so that you don’t have any unwanted surprises later down the line.
Step Four: Start an Apprenticeship
Once you complete your health and safety courses, it’s typically time to start an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are often conducted with your mentor, although sometimes you may have a separate mentor and trainer.
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll need to meet certain benchmarks. In general, these include:
- 100 hours of piercing observation
- 1,200 hours of piercing assistance
- 50 supervised piercings
Once you complete those requirements, you’ll have finished your apprenticeship. Typically, you’ll start with observation and assistance and gradually move on to doing your own piercings.
The piercings you conduct as an apprentice are often paid, although they’re typically done at a reduced rate due to your apprentice status.
Step Five: Get Your Piercer’s License
After you complete your apprenticeship in many places, you’ll be all set to get started as a piercer. However, there are certain countries and states where you may be required to complete an additional certification in order to start working as a piercer.
Alternatively, you may have to attend annual training courses or participate in continuing education. This helps ensure that you’re still adhering to the most recent industry standards and conducting your work in a safe manner.
Step Six: Find Your First Job
After you’ve got your license (if needed), completed your apprenticeship, and met any other industry requirements, you’re ready to find your first job!
Many times, you’ll be able to get a job at the same place you completed your apprenticeship. You may have to pay a booth fee, however, for working in the store, or you may be required to pay a percentage of your earnings to the shop.
Alternatively, you can look for a different shop to work at. Or, you can start your own piercing studio. Just keep in mind that the last option tends to be the most expensive and difficult.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn how to become a piercer, the first step is to meet the basic prerequisites. You’ll need good eyesight, to be 18 or older, and to have good social skills. From there, you’ll need to find a mentor, do an apprenticeship, pass any health and safety exams, and possibly get a license.
With those steps under your belt, you’re onto the fun part—finding a job. Typically, you can get a job at the same shop where you complete your apprenticeship.
Now that you know what steps you need to take to get started, it’s time to launch a new career as a body piercer!