Difference Between Occupation and Profession

Occupation is an activity undertaken by the person to earn his livelihood. It can be business, profession or employment that a person undertakes to make money. Many think that occupation and profession are synonyms, but the fact is they are different.

Profession is an activity that requires specialised training, knowledge, qualification and skills. It implies membership of a professional body, and certificate of practice. The individuals who undertake a profession of rendering personalised services are called professionals, who are guided by a certain code of conduct, set up by the respective body.

The line of demarcation between occupation and profession is thin and blurred. When a professional is paid for his skill or talent, it is known as occupation. Check out the article to know some more differences.

Content: Occupation Vs Profession

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Occupation	Profession
Meaning	Occupation refers to the regular activity performed by a person to earn his bread and butter.	A profession is an occupation or vocation which requires a high degree of knowledge and expertise in the specific field.
Code of conduct	No	Yes
Training	Not necessary	Compulsory
Regulated by statute	No	Yes
Basis of pay	Produce	Skill and Knowledge
Higher education	No	Yes
Degree of independence	There is no independence.	A professional is completely independent.
Responsibilities	No	Yes
Respect and Status	Low	Very high

Definition of Occupation

Occupation refers to the kind of economic activity endeavoured by a person regularly for earning money. When someone engages or occupies himself, most of the time, in any economic activity, that activity is known as their occupation.

Example: Drivers, shopkeepers, a government servant, clerks, accountants, etc.

An occupation does not necessarily require specialised schooling in a particular stream. Physical or mental both kinds of jobs are included in an occupation. It is divided into the following categories:

• Business: When a person in engaged in any trade, commerce or manufacturing activities, he is said to be doing business.
• Employment: The occupation in which a person works for others and gets a fixed and regular income is employment.
• Profession: The occupation in which a person renders services to others, by applying his knowledge and skills is a profession.

Definition of Profession

A profession is an occupation, for which a person has to undergo specialised training or internship, for getting a high degree of education and expertise in the concerned area. The main objective of the profession is to render services to those who need them.

The profession is governed by a professional body or statute. To be called as a professional, a person has to pursue higher studies and qualify the exam conducted by the governing body. Normally, a professional is said to be an expert in his field. Ethical codes are developed by the professional body which must be followed by the professionals, to ensure uniformity in their work.

Example: Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountant etc.

Conclusion

After the above discussion, it can be said that the occupation is a broader term, and it includes profession. While occupation also includes those jobs that are ordinary and hence they don’t get high recognition from the society, Professionals are mainly known by their jobs, and that is why they receive a high level of respect and recognition from the society.