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Piercer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STUDS

Apprentice Piercer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$24/hr

Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping ® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise ...

STUDS

Apprentice Piercer

Mclean, VA

$24/hr

Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping ® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise ...

STUDS

Apprentice Piercer

Mclean, VA

$24/hr

Want to get paid to become a piercer at Studs? Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style learning, observation, and hands-on training. We are ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Richmond, VA · On-site

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard ® and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Richmond, VA · On-site

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard ® and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Richmond, VA

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard ® and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Piercing Studio Nurse

Virginia Beach, VA

$26 - $51/hr

Every piercing is performed by licensed nurses and guided by our Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard ® and paired with our hypoallergenic products, setting a clear standard that is differentiated from ...

Rowan

Retail Store Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will be responsible for creating an exceptional piercing and shopping experience for our customers in a genuine and enthusiastic manner, supporting the team on the weekends. This position ...

Rowan

Retail Store Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will be responsible for creating an exceptional piercing and shopping experience for our customers in a genuine and enthusiastic manner, supporting the team on the weekends. This position ...

Rowan

Retail Store Associate

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

You will be responsible for creating an exceptional piercing and shopping experience for our customers in a genuine and enthusiastic manner, supporting the team on the weekends. This position ...

Pierces Pitt Bar B Que

Front of the House

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Training & development Front of The House Opportunities at Pierce's Pitt BBQ No Late Nights - We Close at 8 PM! Full-Time and Part-Time Positions Available! Join our team and enjoy the potential to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPiercer JobsPiercer Jobs in Virginia

Piercer information

See Virginia salary details

$92.6K

$119.3K

$143.7K

How much do piercer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for piercer in Virginia is $119,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a piercer?

To become a piercer, individuals typically need to complete a state or local health department training or certification, which covers sterilization and safety procedures. Many employers also require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may prefer prior experience or apprenticeship under a licensed piercer. Knowledge of anatomy, good hygiene practices, and the ability to work in a sterile environment are essential skills for the role.

What does a piercer do?

Similar to tattooing and other body arts, piercing has become increasingly popular over the last several decades. A Piercer is a professional body artist whose skills involve the piercing of earlobes and other places on the human body, including belly buttons, eyebrows, lips, and nasal septa. After studying this art form—both the artistic, technical, and safety elements—and working as an apprentice in the field, Piercers typically become members of the Association of Professional Piercers. At that point, they find jobs in facilities that provide piercing services, such as ear-piercing shops or specialized piercing parlors, or they start their own business doing freelance work until they can buy their own parlor.

What is a piercer?

Piercers are professionals who specialize in creating body piercings, such as ear, nose, or body piercings, in a safe and sanitary manner. They are trained in proper sterilization techniques, anatomy, and aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of infection or complications. Piercers typically work in tattoo and piercing studios and may use needles or specialized tools to perform piercings. The job also involves advising clients about jewelry options, placement, and healing processes. High standards of hygiene and customer care are essential in this profession.

What is the difference between Piercer vs Tattoo Artist?

AspectPiercerTattoo Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a piercing certification or apprenticeshipRequires a tattoo license or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentJewelry shops, piercing studios, salonsTattoo parlors, studios
Industry UsageCommonly employed in body modification industryPart of body art and modification industry
SkillsPrecision, knowledge of anatomy, sterilizationArtistic skill, needle handling, sterilization

While both piercers and tattoo artists work in body modification, piercers focus on inserting jewelry into body parts, requiring specific certifications and sterilization skills. Tattoo artists create permanent body art, needing artistic talent and licensing. Both roles are essential in the body art industry and often share similar work environments and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professional piercers, and how can they be addressed?

Professional piercers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict hygiene standards, managing client anxiety, and staying updated with evolving safety regulations. To address these, piercers must rigorously follow sterilization protocols, communicate clearly to reassure clients, and participate in ongoing education through industry workshops or certifications. Building strong relationships with reputable suppliers and being part of professional organizations can also help piercers stay informed and deliver safe, high-quality services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a piercer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Piercer, you need a thorough knowledge of anatomy, sterile techniques, and piercing procedures, often supported by formal training or apprenticeship and compliance with local health regulations. Familiarity with autoclaves, single-use needles, and aftercare products is essential for safe and effective practice. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to reassure nervous clients help create a positive experience. These skills ensure client safety, minimize infection risks, and build a trustworthy reputation in the body art industry.

How do you get paid as a piercer?

Piercers typically earn income through a combination of commissions on each piercing they perform and hourly wages or salaries from their employer. Many piercers also receive tips from clients, which can significantly increase their overall earnings. Payment structures vary depending on the shop, experience, and whether they are self-employed or employed by a studio.
More about Piercer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Piercer jobs in Virginia? For Piercer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Piercer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Piercer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Piercer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Piercer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Piercer jobs in VA? For Piercer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Piercer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Piercer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,341 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Apprentice Piercer

STUDS

Mclean, VA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Studs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Studs is a category-defining ear piercing and earring brand named one of "the 10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023" by Fast Company. Studs connects ear piercing with aftercare and earring shopping to create an end-to-end Earscaping® experience. We offer a better retail and digital experience that prioritizes safety and expertise in a cool, fun and welcoming environment, along with a wide earring assortment-all at an accessible price point.
Want to get paid to become a piercer at Studs? Apprentices undergo a minimum 6-week paid piercing training program inclusive of classroom style learning, observation, and hands-on training. We are looking for Apprentices to join our training program that will kickoff for the first 6 weeks at the end of August in our Abbot Kinney (Venice, CA) studio location. Upon successful completion of the program, graduated Apprentices will become eligible for Part Time Associate Piercer positions at our Tysons Corner studio.
Hourly Rate:
  • Graduated apprentices make $24/hour as Associate Piercers, plus tips
  • During the 6-week training program, apprentices make $19/hour, plus tips

Key Responsibilities:
REVENUE
  • Service Oriented
    • Embodies our performance-oriented culture by meeting and exceeding expectations
    • Serves as a brand ambassador: educates clients on the unique Studs' experience through our selling cycle
    • Delivers confident, clear, and professional communication with clients during their entire Studs' experience

OPERATIONS
  • Decision Quality & Execution
    • Leverages Studs' resources and policies in decision making
    • Becomes well-versed in piercing operating procedures and regulations to ensure client experience and work safety standards are met
    • Shows consistent and detailed record keeping of all maintenance, sterilized inventory and tools

TALENT
  • Integrity
    • Prioritizes Studio compliance and is accountable to standard operating procedures and company policy
    • Admits mistakes and is not afraid to escalate when help is needed
    • Lives out our Core Values
    • Shows consistency by providing best in class service to everyone in the Studio
    • Provides solutions-oriented feedback and is open-minded to receiving it

Requirements:
  • 3 years of relevant work experience
  • At least two years as a Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist (performing venipunctures and/or finger sticks) preferred
  • Full Time:
    • Must be available to work a flexible schedule up to 5 days per week (32+ hours), including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must maintain consistent availability
    • Weekend availability (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) is required, excluding approved PTO
    • Schedules may vary based on business needs, and Full-Time employees are expected to prioritize Studs as their primary employment commitment
  • Part Time:
    • Must be available to work a flexible schedule of varying days and hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
    • Must have availability to work on Saturday and Sunday, excluding approved unscheduled time away
    • Reliably attend work as scheduled for up to 29 hours per week, in line with local laws and subject to any approved accommodations
  • Must pierce a minimum 18 appointments a day
  • Must be able to visually inspect ear anatomy to execute advanced piercings
  • Must be able to deliver piercings with a steady hand
  • Must be able to lift 20 lbs
  • Must be able to handle chemicals safely
  • Travel to Venice, CA for the duration of the training program (paid by Studs)
  • Driven, creative problem solver that consistently acts with integrity and speaks up
  • Owner's mindset, with the ability to approach feedback and problems with a positive attitude.

Benefits & Perks
  • Paid Safe & Sick Leave Accrual
  • FSA Health and Commuter Tax-Advantaged Accounts
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Exclusive Employee Discounts on Piercings and Jewelry (we've got your friends and family covered too!)

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Studs considers qualified applicants with criminal histories. We comply with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which we operate. If you require an accommodation for the application process, please fill out this form.
Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Click here for the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.

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