Own tattoo and piercing studio

Local adults booking tattoos and piercings, plus walk-ins if you are on a main street.

Fees per tattoo or piercing, jewellery and aftercare sales, and chair rent from other artists once you grow.

• Trained tattooist or piercer
• Running a small business and budgeting
• Strong hygiene and record-keeping
• Marketing through social media and local word of mouth

• Premises usually need council approval and must meet hygiene and fit-out standards, so check zoning and the lease terms first
• Some states require a licence for the business or the artists, so check your state's rules
• Public liability insurance is essential, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Proper sterilisation, sharps disposal and client records are legal and safety requirements to confirm
• Fit-out and rent are major fixed costs, so make sure you have enough bookings before committing
• Keep a record of age checks and consent forms

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your fit-out, rent and equipment. Fit-out and rent are major fixed costs, so make sure you have enough bookings before committing. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on how many clients you book, your location and whether you add artists. Expect to work around 30 hours a week or more at the start. These are estimates only.

Check whether your premises need council approval and meet hygiene and fit-out standards, including zoning and lease terms. Some states require a licence for the business or artists. Also check sterilisation, sharps disposal, client records, age checks and insurance.