Occupation vs. Profession: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between an occupation and a profession is that an occupation may not require a degree or certification whereas a profession typically requires extensive study and ongoing education to maintain professional standing.

Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Occupation and Profession:

  • Occupation: An occupation refers to any type of work that a person does to earn a living.
  • Profession: A profession is a type of occupation that requires specialized education and training, often with a formal certification or licensure process.

Now, let’s get to Occupation vs Profession:

Major differences between Occupation and Profession

Occupation Profession
Occupations may not have strict regulations. Professions often have strict standards and regulations that practitioners must adhere to.
Occupations may have less control over their work. Professionals often have more autonomy and decision-making power in their work.
Occupations have a more narrow scope of work. Professionals often have a wider scope of work, as they are trained to handle complex tasks and responsibilities.
Occupation may have lower pay and fewer opportunities for advancement. Profession often offers higher salaries and greater opportunities for career growth.
Occupation may not require a degree or certification. A profession typically requires extensive study and ongoing education to maintain professional standing.

So, these are the main differences between the entities.

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