Occupations

An occupation is a person's regular work or profession. It is the array of tasks and duties performed to earn income and contribute to the operation of an economy. Occupations range from professional and technical roles to service, clerical, and manual labor.

Occupations are commonly classified for statistical, educational, and regulatory purposes. Broad categories include professionals, technicians, clerical workers, service workers, skilled and unskilled labor, and agricultural workers. Many occupations require specific education, training, certifications, or licenses, such as medicine, law, teaching, or engineering; others rely on apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

Labor market information tracks the supply and demand for occupations, including job prospects, wages, and working conditions. Technological change, automation, globalization, and demographic trends influence which occupations grow or decline.

Occupations reflect economic structure and cultural norms, and they can shape identity and social status. They vary across countries and over time, with movements toward universal education and recognition of diverse pathways to skill development.

Statistical classifications such as the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) and the United States' Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) are used to organize occupations for data collection and policy analysis.