Difference Between Job Title and Occupation

Many terms are used while referring to work and employment. These include career, job title, occupation, and profession. Although used simultaneously, these terms differ in various ways. While some are used in a broad aspect, others are used with respect to specific job roles.

Job Title

This is a name used regarding a position or job. It is more specific and reflects the job roles and responsibilities. Examples of job titles include financial analysis, administration officer, software developer, marketing executive, and social media manager just to name a few.

With the creation of the online space and innovation, new job titles that were inexistent a few decades ago have been created, providing more and exciting job opportunities. For instance, creative jobs have increased in the recent past.

Job titles can be classified into:

• Job titles which describe a person’s responsibilities. These include managers, supervisors, directors, and executives.
• Job titles that describe what the job entails. These include the terms programmer, mechanic, accountant, and housekeeper.
• Job titles that show the job level. These include head chef, junior accountant, and marketing manager.

The importance of job titles includes:

• Used in employee compensation arrangements
• Determine career paths especially for promotion purposes
• Shows the advancement from one position to another such as from a junior to a senior position

Occupation

This is a broad term used regarding an activity carried out in exchange for a payment. Although occupations are not specific or detailed, they give a general idea regarding a person’s work and do not give details of a person’s roles and responsibilities.

Examples of occupations include doctor, hospitality personnel, engineer, teacher, nurse, marketing personnel, and accountant just to name a few. 

Similarities between Job Title and Occupation

• Both refer to types of jobs

Differences between Job Title and Occupation

Definition

A job title is a specific name used regarding a position or job. On the other hand, an occupation is a broad term used regarding an activity carried out in exchange for a payment. 

Broad/ specific

While a job title is specific, an occupation is broad.

Job hierarchy

A job title shows the job hierarchy in an organization while an occupation does not.

Job Title vs. Occupation: Comparison Table

Summary of Job Title vs. Occupation

A job title is a specific name used regarding a position or job. It shows the job hierarchy in an organization hence determines career paths while also showing the advancement from one position to another such as from a junior to a senior position. On the other hand, an occupation is a broad term used regarding an activity carried out in exchange for a payment.

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