Tattoos and piercing aren’t simply popular nowadays but it’s a great way to express yourself.
Despite being widespread, they can make it harder for you to find a job.
It’s only recently that tattoo and piercing-friendly jobs started to appear.
Due to the fact, society changes its attitude towards tattoos and piercing, there are more and more careers that tolerate such way of self-expression.
Lots of employers are ready to accept workers with tattoos, piercing, and bright hair color.
In other words, it’s become more common to show your individuality in the workplace even when it comes to careers that didn’t tolerate it before.
Nevertheless, it cannot be applied to any career offer.
If you want to enroll in a specific working field, you need to make sure that piercing and tattoos are accepted there.
In this article, you can find a list of the career options that are for sure ready to accept workers with piercing, bright hair, and tattoos.
It gives you an opportunity to increase your chances to get a job you are interested in.
Article Table of Contents
Where You Can Work Having Tattoos and Piercings?
There are lots of career options for people who have piercing and tattoos.
The list also includes the jobs you can do staying at home.
Of course, we cannot name all companies that tolerate various body modification but you just need to keep in mind that there are lots of offers that can provide you with good income.
It’s clear that there are fields that you can easily enter in even if you have tattoos and piercing.
In this article, you can find a list of such career fields.
It’s your perfect chance to find a career that you’ll really like.
Even if you have tattoos and piercing, you can use our list to find a fruitful career.
If you aren’t able to find the right career for you in this article, it’s not a reason to worry.
The number of careers that accept body modifications increases daily so it can be that your sphere of interest tolerates various body modifications.
Just make some research and give it a try as every company has its own attitude towards the issue.
Why It Is Prohibited to Have Tattoos and Piercings at Some Companies?
There are some prejudices related to various body modification and there are still some companies that hold onto these beliefs.
There are usually three main reasons tattoos are frowned upon in professional industries:
Three most popular and widespread beliefs about tattoos and piercing are that it is:
- Connected with criminal behavior. Most gangs members have tattoos to show that they are a part of a group. As a result, some people think that if you have a tattoo, you are a gang member. Unfortunately, it’s not like you can change it somehow.
- Unprofessional in some careers. Of course, it’s just a stigma but there are still lots of employers who aren’t ready to change their mind.
- Distracting. It’s clear that tattoos, especially unique or bright, attract much attention. It can distract your co-workers and even lead to some conflicts. As a result, there are companies that don’t want to hire people with tattoos in order to preserve the working environment.
Most of these beliefs are absolutely outdated and many companies are still following them.
To avoid problems and difficulties, it’s better to learn more about the policies of a company you want to enter.
Jobs That Prohibit Tattoos
Before we start with our main topic, we decided to share with you some careers that totally prohibit any body modifications.
Of course, there can be some companies in the field that may be an exception.
So, if you want to enter one of the fields below, you should look for some options that are available for people with piercing and tattoos.
But, in case you have a lot of body modifications, you may not be able to find an option.
Healthcare
It is one of the spheres that develop really fast which means that the number of employees grows constantly.
Considering the fact, there are many medical facilities that accept people with tattoos.
Nevertheless, you’ll be asked to cover it with your clothes.
Moreover, there are lots of people who want to enter the field and if you have a tattoo that cannot be hidden you may not be able to get a job.
A phlebotomist can be one of the most accessible careers for people with tattoos.
Administrative
As we’ve already mentioned, numerous companies are ready to hire workers with piercing and tattoos but still, there can be some issues.
For example, if you want to work as an administrative assistant or a receptionist, you may face some difficulties looking for job offers.
It’s because you are going to be the first person people see during their visit to the company and it’s important that you look professional.
In other words, if you have bright hair, tattoos or piercing, it may be hard to find a job.
Legal
If you want to enter in a legal field, you should know that it’s one of the strictest career options especially in questions of professionalism.
In fact, you won’t be able to find many lawyers who have visible tattoos.
It can be easier to enter the field if you try to start your own practice.
Nevertheless, entering a legal field while having tattoos can be really challenging and tough.
Teachers
Of course, it’s possible to become a teacher even if you have tattoos but greatly depends on the school type and its location.
Nevertheless, most schools don’t want to hire teachers who have any body modifications as it can distract students.
Also, it can cause a bunch of complaints from parents if you are going to work with younger children.
Many people can start thinking about whether you can be a good model for your students.
Government
Working in government is really similar to the legal field which means you may face a whole bunch of difficulties if you have piercing or tattoos.
Law Enforcement
It’s not common among police officers to have some body modifications.
Speaking of piercing, it can become a big problem for officers as it can be used to cause harm for a policeman.
At the same time, tattoos are still seeing as something negative and related to the criminal world.
Management
Most companies nowadays have their rules and dress code.
Of course, sometimes, it’s possible to break some rules.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean your tattoos will be tolerated as being a manager means that you should have an absolutely professional look.
You should know that it all significantly depends on where is your tattoo placed and whether it can be covered.
Also, ink color is an important point as it can be really eye-catching and distracting.
Finally, it can be a real problem if you have tattoos on your neck and face.
Career Options That Allow Tattoos
You should know that there is the whole bunch of companies that are ready to refuse old stigmas which means that even having tattoos and piercing, you’ll be able to find a good job.
It happens because companies are interested in workers with unique individuality and lots of creativity.
The number of companies and employers that are ready to accept people with body modifications increases daily.
If before there were jobs that were inaccessible for people with tattoos, now you can give it a try.
Below, there are some career options that will be a perfect choice for people with piercing and tattoos.
Beauty Industry Careers
If you decided to enroll in the beauty and cosmetics industry, your tattoos can be a great plus for you.
This sphere requires lots of creativity and appreciates individualism so your piercing and tattoos are a benefit.
In fact, it will even help you to fit the mold just perfectly.
There available such career options as a makeup artist and stylist.
Also, you can become a cosmetologist or a massage therapist.
Moreover, it’s easy to start your career as it requires only some short training and there are lots of career offers.
It should be mentioned that this sphere gives numerous possibilities for your professional growth.
Also, you can choose to work in a beauty salon or start your own.
And you can increase your income if you are going to choose your clients wisely.
There are lots of stylists and makeup artists that are really famous and there are numerous celebrities among their clients.
If you are really skillful and lucky enough, you’ll be able to earn good money.
Of course, a career in the beauty industry is a perfect opportunity to show your creativity as most people visit beauty salons to renew their look.
And, usually, clients would like to meet someone unusual and exciting to help them with their style.
Interested? Read some of these guides to get into the beauty field:
IT Jobs
Jobs related to modern technologies gain a lot of popularity nowadays.
The need for qualified IT specialists growth constantly.
The most significant point is that it’s your skills but not your appearance which is really important.
You can look for some job offers from IT companies or just work as a freelancer.
The only thing that you need to keep in mind that you should be good at modern technologies and computers.
Of course, it’s always important to be professional and be able to communicate with clients properly.
Nevertheless, the IT sphere allows much more freedom than any other industry.
Just make sure, you perform your duties properly.
Artistic Career Field
Look for a creative and fruitful career that will let you express yourself?
Of course, there is no need to be a starving artist to find some creative career options.
Due to the development of modern technologies, the number of creative careers increased significantly.
Also, more and more people give preference to freelance rather than employment in some companies.
If you want to work for yourself, you’ll be glad to know that you have lots of options to choose from.
It’s an especially great decision if you don’t want to worry about how your tattoos and piercing may influence your work.
Among the most popular artistic careers there are:
- Videography;
- Photography;
- Interior design;
- Graphic design;
- Furniture design;
- Writer/novelist.
If you are a creative person, you’ll be able to find some interesting career easily.
Just keep in mind that depending on your choice, you may need to complete a certain amount of training.
Despite where you work, all artistic careers tolerate various ways of self-expression.
Marketing
Most careers in this article are closely related to marketing.
But still, you should also consider marketing sphere itself.
Advertising agencies are constantly in search of creative people and you can use your tattoos, hair color or piercing as an opportunity to stand out.
In other words, you may use them to show that you have your own exciting and creative individuality.
Those who don’t want to work as freelancers should consider looking for some job at marketing companies.
There is a whole bunch of various marketing companies on the market.
All these companies tend to have lots of workers with tattoos and piercing.
Also, the dress code there isn’t so strict as in other companies.
The sphere of marketing requires more and more creative workers.
In fact, in this sphere tattoos may be considered as a benefit rather than a disadvantage.
The Entertainment Industry
If you have bright hair, lots of piercing and tattoos, you may find some career options in an entertainment sphere.
In fact, it’s much easier than you think, to get a career in this industry.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that you’ll become a celebrity but there are more career options than you can imagine.
The personality is really important in the entertainment industry, your body modifications won’t be a problem.
The most popular career options are DJs and radio hosts.
It’ll give you an opportunity to express your individuality and show your creativity.
Most facilities like radio stations are totally OK with tattoos and piercing.
Also, you can try such careers as modeling, acting, or singing.
You just need to keep in mind that it can be harder to achieve success in this sphere.
Nevertheless, if you are lucky to find your perfect career in the entertainment sphere, it’ll guarantee you a stable and high income.
Home and Industrial Construction
Of course, this sphere cannot be considered as a glamorous one but still, it can be really fruitful.
There are lots of career options as the industry includes a whole variety of construction jobs.
Moreover, working in this sphere, you are going to have lots of security as there is constantly something to do.
Speaking of commercial construction, contracting, or electric, the only thing that is important – it’s your abilities.
Moreover, this career is a great choice for introverts, as in most cases you don’t need to work with the public.
Despite you should be able to provide a high-quality service, it doesn’t mean you need to do a ‘customer service’ job.
Construction companies differ greatly and it means that their attitude towards body modifications varies as well.
Nevertheless, in most cases, it’s not a problem and you can enroll in this sphere without issues.
The only point is that you may be asked to remove your piercing but only for safety reasons.
In other words, even if you have tattoos or piercing, you still will be able to get some good job.
If you are proficient, dedicated and skillful, you can start a successful and well-paid career without any issues.
Food Service
If you want to enter the food service industry, you should know that the attitude towards your body modifications depends greatly on the chosen position.
For example, in most cases, waiters are asked to cover their tattoos at least.
Speaking of chefs and kitchen staff, there are no problems usually.
Being a kitchen worker means that you are behind the scenes almost all the time.
Of course, sometimes chefs are asked to step out if a client wants to compliment them, for example.
At the same time, kitchen staff spends most their time in the kitchen.
It means that most people in this sphere have no problems with a career search even if they have piercing or tattoos.
The only thing that really matters is your skills and abilities.
There are chefs with lots of tattoos and piercing even in the best restaurants in the world.
In fact, it’s a perfect career for those who like cooking and have good skills in this sphere.
Commercial Drivers
If you like driving and have tattoos, you should consider becoming a driver of a taxi or a delivery service.
A salary in this sphere significantly depends on where and how many hours you work.
Those who want to earn more may take some more working hours.
In most cases, companies that need drivers don’t pay attention to whether you have tattoos or not.
Even with various body modifications, you can look really professional.
What is really important is your skills, driving records and demeanor.
Also, there are lots of drivers that are self-employed.
It means that you should be able to present yourself to your customers.
Explore the 2 most popular options:
Personal Trainer
Most personal trainers nowadays are self-employed but some of them work at gyms.
It’s exactly a career where your personality and body modifications can be a big benefit.
Being a personal trainer means that you need to work with your clients one-on-one.
You can have tattoos that reflect your interest in sports and highlights your healthy body.
Moreover, your clients will pay attention more to how you can help them rather to your body modifications.
You just need to have a healthy body and good training skills.
In other words, your tattoos won’t change your clients’ attitude if you are a skillful trainer.
As tattoos are often considered as a symbol of toughness, it can be a real benefit for a personal trainer.
If you want to show yourself as a strong and tough person, your tattoos can really help you.
Interested? Read more here: How to Become an Athletic Trainer: The Definitive Guide
What Tattoos It’s Better to Avoid?
Despite the fact the job market changes constantly, tattoos are still something you should be worried about.
Even if they are more acceptable in modern society, not all the images on your body would be a good idea.
First of all, you should think about your future career before choosing a tattoo.
It’s pretty hard to find a first job and tattoos can add some difficulties to the process.
You need to think well where you place your tattoos so you can hide it if necessary.
Also, very bright and colorful tattoos can be another problem as it can distract people around you.
Moreover, some of your team-mates and your employer can see some hidden meaning behind your tattoos that can offend or deter people around you.
Try to avoid images that can be seen as inappropriate especially if you want to work in some professional setting.
Of course, most people can see the difference between an offensive image and some art but still, people have different opinions and believing.
In other words, you should think well before making a tattoo with some specific message or idea.
Give preference to some neutral images or make sure, you’ll be able to hide it.
You can take your piercing out during your working hours if necessary.
Nevertheless, there are people who have piercings that stretch their skin.
It means that even if you take out your piercing there’ll be noticeable holes which can influence your work.
If you want to avoid difficulties with your future career, you should keep everything discrete.
Is There a Possibility That Tattoos Will Be Accepted at Work?
As you can see, modern society has a more positive attitude towards tattoos and other body modifications.
There is a whole bunch of career options for people with tattoos but still, many industries aren’t ready for it.
Nevertheless, the situation varies significantly depending on your workplace and job.
Most companies are turning over a new leaf as the most part of the baby boomer generation is retiring now.
And considering the fact that the younger generation is taking it over, there is a huge possibility that tattoos and piercing will be accepted even more.
In case you already have some tattoos and cannot find a job, there is nothing to worry about.
It only means that you need to look for available options in another field.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you are obliged to enroll in some low-paid career.
As you can see, there is a wide range of career options for people with tattoos.
In this article, there is the whole bunch of creative careers that will let you express yourself.
People stop seeing tattoos as something that has a negative meaning.
Also, you need to look for some other options and you’ll be surprised how many offers you’ll be able to find.
Wrapping Up
Some people who like tattoos do them in places that can easily stay hidden while on work and then they will face no issue at all, such areas includes the legs, stomach, back, etc..
If you are going to get a tattoo on your forearms, face, or anywhere too noticeable, remember that not everyone might be so open minded regarding to tattoos and it might affect how some people perceive you.
Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs do not allow tattoos?
There is still a stigma attached to tattoos, and many companies are hesitant to hire people who have them.
This is especially true in many professional-type jobs.
Even so, there are many jobs you can get if you have tattoos.
The IT industry seems to be an exception, as well as marketing-type jobs, and beauty workers.
Any artistic or entertainment type job will probably not care if you have tattoos.
Why tattoos are not allowed in army?
The army, as well as all military services, have always had high standards for appearance, and their rules on tattoos may be part of that.
In recent years, the rules have been loosened and some tattoos are acceptable.
Any tattoo that could be interpreted to degrade is not allowed.
In most cases, any tattoo on your neck and above your collar can also disqualify you from service.
Can I work at McDonald's with a tattoo?
McDonald’s bills itself as a family-type restaurant, and it believes tattoos do not fit well with that image.
If your tattoo is under your clothing and not visible there are no restrictions.
Visible tattoos are an issue.
A large visible tattoo can be approved by a general manager.
Can you be a phlebotomist with tattoos and piercings?
Many areas of the medical field object to tattoos, but the phlebotomist is one area of the medical field that is more open.
Of course, tattoos that denigrate any group of people may keep you from getting a job, but if it is not offensive, you can often get a job as a phlebotomist.
Phlebotomists wear scrubs so tattoos are easier to hide.
Can FBI agents have tattoos?
You can have tattoos as an FBI agent, but there are some limitations.
They have strict grooming policies and tattoos are not specifically banned in those policies.
The FBI policy says if a tattoo is disruptive, it must be covered, but the policy manual does not define what disruptive is.
Small inconspicuous tattoos are fine, and those that are covered are fine too.
What profession has the most tattoos?
Most studies say farm and ranch workers are the most heavily tattooed workers, with about 22 percent having at least one of them.
There are other studies, however, that claim that as many as a third of people in the military have at least one tattoo.
There are few rules for farmers and ranchers, but the military has a lot of rules.
Some very intelligent people that have tattoos are successful.
it’s ignorant, I was really excited and motivating myself to become a homicide detective only to find out that you can’t have face piercings or tattoos… I have a septum and a tongue bar and I’ve grown to accept them as a part of who I am. they do not limit who I am as a person and do not certainly define what I am capable of as a human. it should be more common, it’s literally metal in my face.
I had a lip piercing i pierced myself. Currently still in high school but I was told to remove it? Pretty sure the legal age for a piercing is 16 years. Now that I don’t have it, I’m a lot more depressed and can’t stop thinking about how much I miss it. I feel distracted all the time now. I wish piercings/tatoos were viewed in a better light in society.
The new generation loves tattoos and most teenagers are getting tattoos as we speak this will quickly change and I’m proud if that. These old people that are so into their cultural beliefs are annoying and aren’t allowing art to be shown. Can’t wait for it all to change
right i want get tattoos but i want to be an actress but it’s going to limit the casting 🙁
But having a tattoo does not mean I’m valueless.
exactly
True. Not everybody likes tattooed ones.