How much is a nose piercing?
A nose piercing typically costs $30 to $90 at a reputable studio in 2026, though the full range runs about $20 to $200 depending on location, the piercer, and the jewelry you choose. The piercing fee and the jewelry are often priced separately.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical studio piercing fee | $30 - $90 | Service fee only; jewelry may be extra |
| Full range (fee + jewelry) | $20 - $200 | Varies by city, piercer skill, and jewelry grade |
| Coastal metro studios | $60 - $100 + jewelry | Jewelry adds roughly $40 - $150 |
| Stud (starter jewelry) | Stainless steel often included | Studs are recommended first to allow healing |
| Hoop / ring upgrade | $15 - $100+ | 14k or 18k gold adds $30 - $100 over steel |
| Follow-up / jewelry change | $0 - $20 | Some studios include a checkup; others charge a small fee |
Piercing fee vs. jewelry
Most studios split the price into a piercing service fee and the cost of the jewelry. The service fee commonly runs $30 to $90, with surgical stainless steel starter jewelry sometimes included in a basic package. Upgrading to 14k or 18k gold adds roughly $30 to $100.
Across the country the all-in cost typically lands between $20 and $200 once you add jewelry. In coastal metros the piercing alone often runs $60 to $100 with jewelry adding $40 to $150, while Midwest and rural studios tend to charge less.
Stud vs. hoop
For a fresh nostril piercing, reputable piercers almost always start you with a stud rather than a hoop. A flat-backed stud sits flush and is easier to keep clean while the piercing heals, which lowers the risk of irritation and migration.
Hoops and rings are usually a later upgrade once the piercing is fully healed, often several months in. If you have your heart set on a hoop, expect to budget for the initial stud now and the ring later, plus a possible small fee for the jewelry change.
What drives the price
The studio's location and the piercer's experience are the main factors. Established studios with trained, licensed piercers and high-quality implant-grade jewelry charge more than walk-in mall kiosks, but they also carry lower infection risk, which is worth the premium for a piercing.
Jewelry material is the other big variable: stainless steel and titanium are affordable and body-safe, while solid gold costs significantly more. Some studios include a free follow-up appointment, while others charge $10 to $20 for checkups or downsizing the jewelry as swelling goes down.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a nose piercing cost?
- Most reputable studios charge $30 to $90 for the piercing, with the full range running about $20 to $200 once jewelry is added.
- Can I get a hoop for my first nose piercing?
- Usually not. Piercers recommend a flat-backed stud first because it heals more easily; a hoop is added later once the piercing is fully healed.
- Is the jewelry included in the price?
- Sometimes. Basic stainless steel jewelry may be included, but gold or specialty jewelry typically adds $30 to $100 or more.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.