How much does it cost to get your ears pierced?
How much does it cost to get your ears pierced?
$30 – $85 average cost per earlobe (piercing + basic jewelry)
$40 – $150+ complex ear piercing cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average ear piercing prices
Ear piercing prices range from $30 to $85 per lobe or $50 to $150 for the pair, as many studios discount the second piercing. These prices include the piercing fee and basic studs. Cartilage and other ear-piercing costs range from $40 to $150+, depending on the location, piercing type, and the jewelry you choose.
| Factor | Earlobe price (per lobe) |
Cartilage / complex price (per piercing) |
|---|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $20 – $45 | $30 – $110+ |
| Basic jewelry | $10 – $40 | $10 – $40 |
| Total cost | $30 – $85 | $40 – $150+ |
Ear piercing prices by type
While the earlobe is the most common ear piercing, there are many other types in various locations of the ear. Some shops charge one piercing fee for all of them, while others charge based on their difficulty.
| Piercing type | Average piercing fee | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Standard lobe | $20 – $45 | $30 – $85 |
| Helix | $30 – $50 | $40 – $90 |
| Tragus | $40 – $60 | $60 – $100 |
| Anti-tragus | $40 – $60 | $60 – $100 |
| Daith | $40 – $80 | $60 – $120 |
| Rook | $40 – $70 | $60 – $110 |
| Conch | $40 – $70 | $60 – $110 |
| Industrial | $50 – $70 | $70 – $100 |
| Surface | $50 – $110+ | $70 – $150+ |
*Average cost for the piercing and basic starter jewelry.
Standard lobe
A standard earlobe piercing costs $30 to $85 per lobe on average for the piercing fee and basic starter studs. Earlobe piercings are the most common and typically the least expensive option. Higher-quality jewelry or designer options will increase the overall cost.
Helix
A helix piercing costs $40 to $90 total, with $30 to $50 going to the piercing fee. Helix (cartilage) piercings are a bit more complex than lobe piercings and require more specialized training. Helix piercings are the most common cartilage piercings.
These piercings are typically located in the upper, outer cartilage rim of the ear, but anywhere along the outer rim of the ear is considered a helix piercing.
Complex cartilage
While some piercing shops charge one price for all cartilage piercings, many charge more for complex types, typically $60 to $120 total. Depending on the person's ear anatomy, some cartilage piercings require a more advanced piercer. A daith piercing is often the most difficult to administer.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tragus | Through the small piece of cartilage that partially covers the ear canal |
| Anti-tragus | Through the small ridge of cartilage opposite the tragus, above the earlobe |
| Daith | Through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear |
| Rook | Through the upper part of the inner ear cartilage |
| Conch | Through the large, cup-shaped area of ear cartilage |
Industrial
An industrial piercing costs $70 to $100 total on average and consists of two cartilage piercings connected by a single barbell. Depending on where you live, this type may also be called a construction, scaffold, or bar piercing. This piercing often has a longer healing time than others.
Surface
Surface piercings also involve two piercings and cost $70 to $150+ for the piercing fee and standard jewelry. A straight, flat bar goes under the surface of the skin, with a visible stud on each end. Surface piercings for the ear are located at the tragus.
Surface piercings are not as widely available as other piercings because they are more challenging and have an extremely high rejection rate.
Factors
Several factors influence the final price of your ear piercing:
Location: Prices vary by geographic region and the type of establishment. A mall kiosk typically charges less than a professional piercing studio.
Piercer's experience: More experienced piercers often charge higher rates but offer peace of mind.
Type of piercing: Earlobe piercings often cost less than other ear piercings, though some professional piercers charge the same piercing service fee for all ear piercings.
Number of piercings: Many shops offer discounts on second piercings, especially with earlobe piercings, since getting the pair is common.
Aftercare products: Some piercers include aftercare solutions in the price, while others charge separately. Aftercare typically includes sterile saline solution and ranges from $5 to $20 on average.
Additional services: Some studios offer package deals or discounts for multiple piercings.
Tipping: While tipping is not required, it's standard in the piercing industry. A general guideline for piercing service is to tip 15% to 20% of the total.
Don't let cost be your primary consideration when choosing a piercer or piercing studio. Prioritize safety and quality to ensure you end up with a piercing you can enjoy for years to come.
Jewelry
You may pay as little as $10 or as much as $200+ for starter ear piercing jewelry, depending on the type, design, material, and quality. Basic steel studs are cheaper than intricate designs or high-end materials like gold or titanium. Whatever you choose, be sure to confirm it is implant-grade material.
Go for titanium, gold, or niobium jewelry if you have skin sensitivities. Some steel piercing jewelry may contain nickel, a common skin allergen.
Where to get ears pierced
The location you choose for your ear piercing can significantly impact both cost and quality. When choosing a location, prioritize cleanliness, experience, and proper technique.
| Location | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mall kiosk / retail store | $ |
|
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| Tattoo shop | $$ |
|
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| Professional piercing studio | $$$ |
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| Doctor's office / medical spa | $$$ |
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*Some states prohibit the use of piercing guns, but not every state regulates them. This increases the potential for unsafe or substandard hygiene practices.
Ear piercing FAQs
How long do ear piercings take to heal?
Ear piercings take 2 to 12 months to heal, depending on the type. Earlobe piercings heal the fastest, typically about 2 to 3 months. Cartilage piercings take longer, anywhere from 3 months to a year or more, depending on the placement, your overall health, lifestyle, and aftercare routine.
| Piercing type | Approximate time to fully heal (months) |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 2 – 3 |
| Helix | 3 – 9+ |
| Surface | 3 – 12+ |
| Conch, daith, rook, industrial | 6 – 12+ |
Always follow your piercer's aftercare instructions and don't hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns during the healing process.
When can I change my ear piercing?
Wait until your piercing fully heals before changing jewelry. Changing too early can lead to irritation, infection, or closure of the piercing.
Can you swim after getting your ears pierced?
After getting your ears pierced, you should avoid swimming until they heal fully. Water from pools, lakes, and oceans can introduce bacteria to your new piercing, increasing the risk of infection.
Do ear piercings hurt?
Pain levels vary depending on individual pain tolerance and the type of ear piercing. Your piercer's experience level may also impact the amount of pain or discomfort you feel during and after the piercing. Most people find the pain manageable and short-lived.
Lobe piercings: Mild discomfort, often described as a quick pinch
Cartilage piercings: More painful, with a sharp pinch and pressure sensation
Complex piercings (daith, rook, etc.): Can be more painful due to thicker cartilage
Piercing price comparison
The following table shows how the price of septum piercing compares to other piercing prices.
| Piercing type | Average cost (piercing fee + basic jewelry) |
|---|---|
| Lip piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Earlobe piercing cost | $30 – $85 (earlobe) $40 – $150+ (complex / cartilage) |
| Helix piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Industrial piercing cost | $70 – $100 |
| Eyebrow piercing cost | $40 – $90 |
| Belly button piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Nose piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Septum piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
| Tongue piercing cost | $40 – $160 |
| Nipple piercing cost | $50 – $100 |
Finding the best piercing shop
Consider all factors, including healing time and aftercare requirements, before deciding on an ear piercing. Whether you opt for a simple earlobe piercing or a more intricate cartilage design, finding a qualified piercer is key to ensure it's done safely and correctly.
Follow these tips to help you find the best piercing shop near you:
Browse reviews on Fash.com and Google. Check out their social media presence for examples of their work.
Visit the studio to make sure it's clean and professional. Ask about their sterilization procedures.
Choose a licensed and insured studio and professional piercer. Look for members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Inquire about their specific experience with the type of ear piercing you're interested in getting.
If you feel pressured or uncomfortable at all, don't hesitate to leave and find another piercer.
Piercing guns are popular in malls and retail stores, but these devices cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave, increasing the risk of infection. They also cause "blunt force trauma" to the ear, furthering the risk of complications. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends using a needle for all piercings, even a simple earlobe piercing.
Questions to ask a professional piercer
Consider asking these important questions to help you choose a qualified, reputable piercing shop within your budget:
Are you licensed and insured?
Are you a member of the Association of Piercing Professionals?
How much experience do you have with this type of ear piercing?
Will the piercing I want work for my ear anatomy?
How do you determine the best placement?
What sterilization methods do you use?
Can you walk me through the piercing process?
What type of jewelry do you recommend for the initial piercing?
Do you have different jewelry options available?
Do you provide written aftercare instructions?
What's included in the piercing fee?
How long does this type of piercing usually take to heal?
When can I safely change my jewelry?
When should I downsize the piercing jewelry?
What do you charge for follow-up appointments?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.