More than a job-this is a craft-forward calling
Golden Child doesn’t “staff up.” They build legacies.
The Escondido-based shop has its roots in Zebra Piercing, a studio known nationally for its advanced techniques and ethical standards. Those protocols didn’t just influence Golden Child-they defined it. The original senior piercer trained under Zebra’s team, then brought that lineage to San Diego with a fresh focus on client care, anatomy-aware placements, and jewelry quality that exceeds APP guidelines.
“It’s rooted in Zebra’s gold-standard approach and carried forward by a team focused on mastery, style, and client care. We’re not just hiring-we’re investing in the future of the craft.”
Brandon “Sixer” Castillo, owner of Golden Child Tattoo & Piercing Shop
What makes this role special?
This isn’t just another piercing studio job. Here’s what’s waiting for the right artist:
- Consistent income: With $35 per piercing plus tips, weekday shifts regularly top $300, and weekends hit $500+.
- Steady bookings: No guesswork-Golden Child’s built-in demand keeps artists busy five days a week.
- Premium materials: Every piercing uses implant-grade titanium or gold that meets APP standards.
- Natural-light suites: Designed for comfort, precision, and healing.
- Mentorship baked in: The outgoing senior piercer is staying to train the new senior piercer before launching his own shop.
See the vibe for yourself and browse our body piercing services in San Diego to understand what makes the experience different.
Who we're looking for
Golden Child’s next senior piercer will bring both technical excellence and a mentor’s mindset. If your healed-work portfolio shows mastery-and you’re ready to lead by example-you’re who they’re hoping to meet.
Here’s what matters most:
- APP-compliant safety protocols
- Strong healing track record
- Respect for anatomy and individuality
- Comfort working in a high-volume setting
- Willingness to contribute to studio culture and education
This is a North County San Diego opportunity-but for the right person, relocation assistance may be available.
A quick word for tattoo artists in San Diego
If you’re a tattoo artist in San Diego (or beyond) looking for a shop that's hiring, and you're reading this and thinking, “That sounds like a place I’d love to work”-you’re not wrong. Golden Child is also reviewing portfolios for tattooers who value craft, community, and walk-in-ready bookings. We have a reputation as one of the best tattoo shops in San Diego. Check out open roles here.
Why now-and why it matters
Golden Child relaunched in 2024 with a renewed focus on compliance, mentorship, and elevated client care. Since then, they’ve become a go-to for piercings across the entire county.
What’s happening now isn’t a scaling-up move. It’s a strategic passing of the torch. And with one of their founding piercers preparing to open a new studio, this is a chance to learn directly from the source-and become part of the next generation shaping what modern, ethical piercing should look like.
“We’re here to raise the bar,” says Castillo. “But we’re doing it with heart.”
