This guide focuses on what you need as an artist: training, experience/apprenticeship documentation, and how to navigate local certification so you can build a successful, long-term career.
1. Find Out the Local Requirements for Working as a Tattoo Artist
In Pennsylvania, there is no statewide tattoo artist license. Instead, tattooing is regulated at the local level by city and county health departments. What you need to work legally as a tattoo artist depends entirely on where the shop is located.
Find out who regulates tattoo shops in your area.
Practical tip: When talking to your local health department, make it clear you're asking about the requirements to work as a tattoo artist, not about opening a new tattoo shop.
Some jurisdictions regulate tattooing primarily at the shop level, while others impose individual artist certification, training, or experience requirements. The comparison below highlights key differences between selected Pennsylvania jurisdictions.
Tattoo Artist Requirements – Selected Pennsylvania Jurisdictions
Depending on the jurisdiction, additional requirements may apply.
| Regulating Authority |
Artist Credential Required? |
BBP Training Requirement |
Experience / Apprentice Pathway |
| Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) |
Yes. City-issued Body Artist Certificate required. |
Yes. Current BBP training documentation required. |
Artist: 3 years full-time experience.
Apprentice: City registration + supervisor letter. |
| Erie County Department of Health |
No standalone artist license; must work in licensed shop. |
Annual Erie County–approved BBP training required. |
No fixed experience requirement stated. |
| Borough of Chambersburg Board of Health |
No standalone artist license; artists regulated as operators. |
Approved bloodborne disease training required. |
No formal apprenticeship framework specified. |
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Credential: City-issued Body Artist Certificate.
BBP: Current BBP training required.
Experience: 3 years full-time or registered apprenticeship.
Erie County Department of Health
Credential: No artist license.
BBP: Annual County-approved BBP training.
Experience: Not specifically defined.
Borough of Chambersburg Board of Health
Credential: No artist license.
BBP: Approved bloodborne disease training.
Experience: Not formally defined.
Why Philadelphia Is Different (and Not Alone)
In much of Pennsylvania, tattooing is regulated primarily at the establishment level. In these areas, artists are generally permitted to work as long as they practice within a licensed and inspected body art establishment and meet required training standards.
Philadelphia is one of the most prominent exceptions. The City requires individual tattoo artists and apprentices to obtain a City-issued Body Artist Certificate in addition to working in a licensed shop. This includes documented experience or apprenticeship, bloodborne pathogens training, and formal approval from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
However, Philadelphia is not the only Pennsylvania municipality with enhanced artist-level requirements. Cities such as Lancaster also impose more extensive documentation, training, and individual compliance obligations on tattoo artists beyond basic shop licensing.
Because Pennsylvania allows local health authorities to regulate body art, artists should always verify requirements with the specific city or county health department where they intend to work. Being compliant in one jurisdiction does not automatically mean you are compliant in another.
2. Complete Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training
Many shops and some jurisdictions require up-to-date bloodborne pathogens training.
When choosing a BBP course, select one that is body art industry-specific and complies with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).
Such a course will help you:
- Prevent exposure to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other bloodborne diseases.
- Use gloves and other PPE correctly.
- Handle sharps safely and dispose of biohazardous waste.
- Clean, disinfect, and sterilize equipment and work areas.
- Follow a written exposure control and infection prevention plan.
Get BBP Training
Completing a high-quality BBP course before you seek an apprenticeship or job can make you a more attractive candidate for Pennsylvania studios.
3. If You Don't Have Tattooing Experience, Get an Apprenticeship
Pennsylvania doesn't have one statewide requirement for experience/apprenticeship.
A qualified, experienced artist in a clean, inspected body art facility can provide you with training in:
- Infection control, BBP practices, and shop sanitation
- Machine setup, needle selection, and pigment handling
- Drawing and design work
- Tattooing skills and technique development
- Client consultation, consent, and aftercare
Look for an established artist whose style you admire and who has a reputation for quality work and professionalism. The shop's atmosphere, hygiene standards, and clientele matter too—you'll be spending significant time there.
And if you do find an apprenticeship opportunity, make sure you get a written agreement.
4. Submit Required Paperwork
Make sure the paperwork required by your local jurisdiction is correct and complete.
Do not begin tattooing until your application has been approved.
5. Stay in Compliance
Keep your license current.
Follow your shop's Exposure Control Plan
Be aware of any proposed changes to Pennsylvania body art regulations and requirements, such as PA HB1180.
References
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6311 (tattooing/body piercing of minors).
City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health — Body artist certification guidance.
Philadelphia Code, Title 6 (Health Code) – Body Art Regulations.
Erie County Department of Health – Body Art Establishment Regulations.
Erie County Department of Health — Body art establishment/temporary event guidance.
Borough of Chambersburg Code of Ordinances – Body Art Establishments.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
This guide is a plain-language summary to help new artists understand the licensing process. It is not legal advice. Always check with your local health department for exact requirements where you plan to work.
