How much does an industrial piercing cost?
How much does an industrial piercing cost?
$70 – $100 average total cost (piercing + basic jewelry)
Average industrial piercing cost
An industrial piercing costs $70 to $100 on average, with most people spending about $85 total for the piercing procedure and basic, implant-grade jewelry. The cost of an industrial piercing varies depending on the location, piercer's experience and reputation, piercing type and complexity, and the jewelry you choose.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Piercing fee | $50 – $70 |
| Jewelry* | $20 – $30 |
| Total cost | $70 – $100 |
*Average cost for baseline jewelry
What is an industrial piercing?
An industrial piercing—also called a scaffold, bar, or construction piercing—is a type of ear piercing that involves two holes connected by a single piece of jewelry, typically a straight barbell. This piercing is more complex than standard ear piercings because:
It involves two piercing points instead of one.
It requires precise alignment of the two holes.
It passes through cartilage, which is denser and takes longer to heal than earlobe tissue.
The most common industrial piercing connects the helix (upper cartilage area) to the forward helix (cartilage closest to your face). However, there are variations, such as vertical industrials or custom placements. Some people choose to get double or triple industrial piercings.
IMPORTANT: Due to its complexity, an industrial piercing should always be performed by an experienced, professional piercer.
Industrial piercing price factors
Prices for industrial piercings are typically higher than traditional ear piercing prices. Several factors influence the total cost:
Location: Prices vary significantly depending on where you live. Major cities and areas with a higher cost of living generally have higher piercing prices.
Studio reputation: Well-established, high-end piercing studios often charge more due to their expertise and reputation.
Piercer experience: More experienced piercers typically command higher rates.
Additional services: Some studios include aftercare products or follow-up visits in their pricing, which can increase the upfront cost but may save money in the long run.
Aftercare products: When not included in the piercing fee, aftercare supplies range from $5 to $20 and are essential to ensure proper healing.
Customization: If you opt for a custom industrial piercing placement or design, this may increase the cost due to the additional time and skill required.
Prioritize quality and safety over finding the lowest price. A well-executed piercing by a skilled professional using high-quality jewelry can save you money and potential complications in the long run.
Jewelry options
The material and design of piercing jewelry significantly affect the overall cost. Prices range from $20 to $200 or more. The most common jewelry materials for an initial industrial piercing are implant-grade steel, implant-grade titanium, niobium, and 14K gold.
| Material | Cost level | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Implant-grade steel | $ |
|
| Implant-grade titanium | $$ |
|
| Niobium | $$$ |
|
| Gold (14k or higher) | $$$$ |
|
Most industrial piercings start with straight barbell jewelry. After healing, other options include individual hoops or smaller barbell studs (separate, or connected with one or more chains), twisted barbells, and barbells with jewels or charms in the middle.
Things to consider before getting an industrial piercing
An industrial piercing can be a fun, unique form of personal expression, but it's a long-term commitment. Arm yourself with information before taking the leap so you can be confident in your decision. Here are some important things to consider:
Not everyone's ear structure is suitable for an industrial piercing. A professional piercer can assess your anatomy and advise if this piercing is possible for you.
The pain and healing time is much longer than a standard earlobe piercing.
As with most piercings, risks include infection, keloid scars, irritation bumps, and rejection.
If you're a side sleeper, you'll need to sleep on the opposite side of the piercing while it heals, which is typically several months to a year (or even longer for some people).
If you decide you don't like the starter jewelry, you'll have to deal with it for up to a year before changing it out.
You'll need to make another appointment whenever you want to change the jewelry out, which adds to your ongoing costs.
If you decide to remove the piercing, the holes will close up, but the area will not be the same. Scarring is likely, and the shape of the ear may be different.
Having long hair creates additional challenges as it's easily caught and tangled in the piercing. Some people report wearing their hair up daily for the first year.
Some health conditions may affect the healing process, including diabetes, autoimmune disorders, blood disorders, thyroid disorders, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Consult a doctor before booking your piercing appointment to confirm whether it's safe.
Aftercare
While proper aftercare is crucial for any piercing to heal properly, it's even more so with an industrial piercing. Cartilage in general takes longer to heal than other areas, and with an industrial piercing, you have two vulnerable areas to care for as opposed to one.
Your piercer will give you detailed instructions, which typically include the below:
Keep it clean: Clean the piercings 1 to 2 times daily with a sterile saline solution, also called wound wash. Air dry. Do not rotate or move the jewelry during cleaning.
Leave it alone: Avoid touching the piercing or jewelry throughout the day.
Don't lay on it: Do not sleep on the side with the piercing during the healing process.
Be mindful of hair & clothing: Wear loose clothing, and if you have long hair, wear it up to avoid getting it caught or snagging the piercing.
Do not submerge it: Avoid bodies of water—pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc.—until the piercing is fully healed.
Avoid irritation: Be careful in the shower, getting dressed, or during any physical activity (even hugging!). Avoid exposing the area to irritating products like harsh shampoos or chemical-laden lotions.
Industrial piercing FAQs
How long does an industrial piercing take to heal?
Industrial piercings generally take 6 to 12+ months to heal completely. However, healing times can vary based on individual factors such as overall health, aftercare practices, and how well your body responds to the piercing.
Do industrial piercings hurt?
Yes, industrial piercings are typically more painful than standard ear piercings as the cartilage area is more sensitive than the earlobe. Pain levels vary from person to person, and the piercer's skill level may also impact the level of discomfort you experience during the procedure. Most people describe it as a sharp pinch followed by a dull ache.
What gauge is an industrial piercing?
Most industrial piercings use 14-gauge (1.6mm) or 16-gauge (1.2mm) jewelry. The exact gauge may depend on your anatomy and your piercer's recommendation. Do not change the gauge without professional guidance, as this can lead to complications.
When can I change my industrial piercing?
You should wait until your industrial piercing is fully healed—which typically takes 6 to 12 months—before changing the jewelry. Even then, experts recommend having your first jewelry change done by a professional piercer to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.
Does Claire's do industrial piercings?
No, Claire's does not offer industrial piercings. Claire's primarily does earlobe piercings using a piercing gun, which is not suitable for cartilage piercings like industrials. Industrial piercings should only be done by experienced professionals using a hollow needle in a sterile environment.
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 studio
Finding a qualified and reputable piercer is crucial for ensuring a safe and successful experience. Follow these guidelines when researching piercing shops near you, and trust your instincts:
Look for well-established local piercing studios with positive reviews on Fash and Google.
Search for a licensed piercer who has experience with industrial piercings and is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Visit the studio to confirm it's clean, organized, and the staff is willing to answer your questions.
Confirm the shop uses an autoclave for sterilization and has separate areas for piercing and jewelry storage.
Ask to see a portfolio of their work to give you an idea of their experience and skill level.
Ask about their jewelry options. A reputable piercer will use high-quality, implant-grade jewelry and be able to explain the materials they use.
Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable or if the studio doesn't meet your cleanliness standards, don't hesitate to look elsewhere.
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
Before getting your industrial piercing, ask your piercer the following questions:
How long have you been doing industrial piercings?
Can you assess my ear anatomy for suitability?
What type of jewelry do you use for initial piercings?
What's included in the total cost?
What aftercare routine do you recommend?
How long should I expect the healing process to take?
When should I come back for a check-up?
What should I do if I experience complications?
When can I change my jewelry, and do you offer that service?
Do you provide any guarantee or free touch-ups if needed?
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.