How Much Does an Industrial Piercing Cost?

Getting an industrial piercing is a bold way to update your style. But before heading to the piercing studio, it's smart to understand the typical pricing and factors that affect the final cost. An industrial isn't the cheapest piercing due to requiring two piercings at once and high-quality jewelry. However, some tips can help keep your expenses reasonable.

In this article, we’ll break down the average industrial piercing cost along with ways to save money. We’ll also overview what affects the industrial piercing cost and provide cost-saving tips. With the right information, you can get this eye-catching piercing without breaking the bank.

How Much Does an Industrial Piercing Cost?

The average cost of an industrial piercing done in a professional studio or tattoo shop is between $80 and $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) or more, with $50 to $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) spent on the piercing service alone and between $30 and $100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) on the jewelry. The difference in price is given by factors like the experience and skill level of the piercer, the type of jewelry metals and gems you're going for, your geographical location, any aftercare products or services, and so on.

A Reddit user mentions that the cost of an industrial piercing in Toronto, Canada, ranges from $60 to $120 (≈1 day working for this purchase at $15/hour), including jewelry.

The Authority Tattoo website states that an industrial piercing should cost between $40 and $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour), but if you book with a piercer in a quieter location, you can look to narrow the price range.

The Fresh Trends website states that the cost of an industrial piercing typically ranges from $30 to $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour), although the price may vary depending on the location and the quality of the piercer.

The Industrial Tattoo and Piercing website provides a detailed list of prices for various piercings, including industrial piercings. The cost of an industrial piercing starts at $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) and includes the piercing only, with jewelry sold separately.

The Laughing Buddha Tattoo and Body Piercing website provides a list of prices for various piercings, including industrial piercings. The cost of an industrial piercing starts at $70 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) per piercing and includes the piercing only, with jewelry sold separately.

Higher-end piercers and those in major cities like New York or San Francisco will charge more.

Factors That Impact Industrial Piercing Pricing

As said above, several variables affect the final price:

• Geographic location and local rents add to the expenses incurred by the professional and these are passed on to the client most of the time.
• The reputation and expertise of the piercer, as well as any courses or certifications, will add to the final price.
• Jewelry quality - gold or titanium vs. basic stainless steel, as well as whether you get precious or semi-precious stones will also affect the price.
• Extra services like expedited appointments are priced additionally, just like most other services.

Additional Fees Beyond the Piercing Itself

You'll also need to pay for:

• Aftercare spray or saline - a minimum of $10 to $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)
• Tips for the piercer - 15% to 20% of total cost
• Initial piece of jewelry replacement - $30 to $60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour)
• And if issues arise during healing, possible medical bills or costs to remove the piercing

What is an Industrial Piercing?

The industrial piercing has become a popular way to make a bold fashion statement. This distinctive piercing combines two separate ear piercings connected by a single straight barbell across the upper ear cartilage.

Technically, the industrial consists of two standard cartilage piercings joined by an industrial barbell. The most common setup pierces the upper ear’s helix and anti-helix areas, running a barbell between them across the ear’s upper ridge. However, other ear cartilage spots can also be used to create a connected industrial look.

You can also get creative with the piercing placement itself by choosing two non-traditional ear cartilage spots to connect. Some examples include:

• Conch to helix
• Double conch
• Rook to conch

Discuss options with your reputable piercer to pick the spots that work best with your individual ear anatomy.

Industrial Piercing Pain Level

Pain-wise, you can expect a sensation similar to any cartilage piercing. There is moderate pain and pressure during the actual piercing process as the needle passes through each point. Both piercings happen concurrently, so there is slightly more overall discomfort than a single piercing. However, a reputable piercer will complete the process quickly.

Industrial Piercing Healing and Aftercare

Healing an industrial piercing takes patience, as cartilage piercings heal slower than lobes. You can expect around 3 to 9 months for complete healing. Proper aftercare also keeps potential complications like irritation bumps in check as the two piercings integrate.

Signs of trouble include excessive redness, discharge, or hot skin around the piercings. If you experience this, see your piercer or doctor to rule out infection. Otherwise, keep cleaning diligently and don’t touch the new piercings.

You might also like our articles about the cost of back dimple piercing, conch piercing, and bellybutton piercing.

Industrial Piercing Jewelry Styles

Once healed after several months, the industrial piercing allows room for creative self-expression. You can wear an industrial barbell for the signature connected look. Or opt for standard studs in each piercing when you want a break from the barbell. Mix and match metals and gems in each hole for fun styling.

Should You Get an Industrial Piercing?

While not the quickest to heal, getting an industrial piercing allows you to sport this eye-catching statement piece. The versatility of wearing a dramatic barbell or subtle studs provides options too. If you’re willing to follow the aftercare, your new industrial piercing will make a gorgeous addition to your ear curation.

Tips to Save Money on Your Industrial Piercing

To keep expenses down, try these suggestions:

• Search for shops offering new client specials or deals
• Opt for basic internally threaded steel jewelry
• Skip fancy gems and plating to save on body jewelry costs
• Provide your own starter jewelry if the shop allows
• Purchase your own saline spray rather than using the shop's
• Ask about a package deal for two piercings together
• Be diligent with aftercare to avoid complications requiring medical visits

Estimating Your Total Industrial Piercing Costs

Considering the factors above, plan to budget $100 - $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) or more for a quality industrial piercing, including the service, jewelry, aftercare, and tips. While not the cheapest piercing, proper execution from a skilled piercer makes the cost worthwhile.

Is the Price of an Industrial Piercing Worth It?

Industrials require greater expertise and care to perform properly. Investing in a top studio helps minimize risks and achieve visually symmetrical results. If you follow the aftercare, the price is worthwhile for this stylish statement piercing.

With the right research and budgeting, you can get an eye-catching industrial piercing to take your look to the next level!