Should You Include Occupation on a Headstone?

For many people, their work was a huge part of who they were — the farmer, the nurse, the teacher who taught three generations of a town. Including it on the stone helps tell that story.

Ways to show occupation

• A title — Dr., Rev., Capt.; see titles and suffixes.
• A single word under the name — "Farmer", "Nurse", "Teacher".
• A line — "Teacher for 35 years" or "Master carpenter".
• A symbol — see occupation and hobby symbols.
• A workplace — "Owner of Smith's Hardware, 1962–2004".

When it adds meaning

• The person identified strongly with their work.
• It was a family business across generations.
• They served the community — a doctor, minister or firefighter.
• It helps future genealogists understand their life.

When to leave it out

If the person disliked their job, or their identity centred on family, faith or hobbies instead, focus on those. The stone should reflect who they were, not just what they did.

Ideas by occupation

We have dedicated guides for many careers, including teachers, nurses, farmers, doctors and electricians.

Wording examples

• "Farmer, husband, father"
• "Teacher at Lincoln School, 1962–1997"
• "Master Electrician"
• "Nurse — she cared for us all"

Keep the occupation line smaller than the name so the person comes first.

For genealogists

Occupations were routinely listed in old census records, so a job on a headstone helps future researchers confirm they've found the right person.

Key Takeaways

• Occupation can appear as a title, word, line or symbol.
• It adds meaning when work was central to identity.
• Leave it out if their identity lay elsewhere.
• It helps future genealogists.

Next Step

See what information goes on a headstone.