Jobs, Occupations, and Professions Vocabulary in English

When we talk about work in English, we often hear three words: job, occupation, and profession. They are related, but not exactly the same. A job is your specific work or position, an occupation is a more formal way to describe what you do, and a profession is a career that usually requires special education or training. Let’s look at the differences step by step, and then explore useful job vocabulary with examples.

When we talk about work in English, we often hear three words: job, occupation, and profession. They are related, but not exactly the same.

• A job is your specific work or position.
  • “My dad’s job is driving a taxi.”
• An occupation is a more formal way to describe the kind of work you do.
  • “Please write your occupation on the form.”
• A profession is a career that usually requires education or training.
  • “Medicine is a difficult profession.”

Education Jobs

• A teacher teaches students new things at school. Teachers explain lessons, answer questions, and check your progress with exams and homework. They also encourage you, give feedback, and help you when you have difficulties. Teachers discuss your progress with your parents and collaborate with other teachers as well.
  • “My mom is a teacher in a high school.”
  • “Teachers can explain new things and help students learn.”
• A professor is the highest level of teacher at a university. Professors not only teach students, but also do research, write books or articles, and guide younger teachers. It is a respected position that usually comes after many years of study and experience.”.
  • “Her father is a professor at the university.”
  • “Professors can research and teach advanced subjects.”
• A principal/ headmaster is the head of a school. He or she is responsible for overseeing the whole school and supervising the staff. The principal also organizes the lesson schedules, talks with parents, supports students, and makes important decisions to keep the school running well.
  • “The principal called all the students.”
  • “Principals have to manage teachers and students.”
• An instructor is someone who teaches or trains people in a specific skill. It’s like a teacher, but often used for practical training or special courses rather than regular school subjects.  “At the gym, there is a fitness instructor who shows us the exercises.”,  “The language school hired new English instructors.”

Health Jobs

• A doctor works in a hospital or a clinic. Doctors check people’s health, listen to their problems, and examine their bodies. They give medicine, treat illnesses, and sometimes do operations. A doctor’s job is important because they help people stay healthy and recover when they are sick.”
  • “My dad is a doctor in a hospital.”
  • “Doctors can heal patients and give them medicine.”
• A nurse works in a hospital or a clinic, usually with doctors. Nurses take care of patients, check their temperature and blood pressure, and give them medicine. They also help doctors during operations and talk kindly to patients. A nurse’s job is caring and important because they support people when they are sick.”
  • “My aunt is a nurse.”
  • “Nurses can take care of patients all day.”

• A dentist works in a dental clinic to keep teeth healthy. They examine teeth, clean them, and fix issues like cavities or broken teeth. Dentists may remove damaged teeth and teach patients how to brush and care for their teeth properly. They use tools like mirrors and drills to ensure good oral health. Their work helps people eat well, smile confidently, and stay healthy.

  • “I went to the dentist because I had a toothache.”
  • “Dentists can fix broken teeth and clean them.”
• A pharmacist (Chemist in British English) works in a pharmacy. Pharmacists give people the medicine that doctors prescribe and explain how to use it safely. They also answer questions about health and sometimes give advice about simple problems like headaches or colds. A pharmacist’s job is important because they make sure people take the right medicine in the right way.”
  • “The pharmacist explained how to take the pills.”
  • “Pharmacists have to give the correct medicine to people.”
• A veterinarian, or vet, is a doctor for animals. Vets check the health of pets and farm animals, give them medicine, and perform operations when they are sick. They also give advice to owners about how to take care of their animals.”

Office & Business Jobs

• An engineer designs and builds things like bridges, roads, or machines. They use math and science to solve problems and create safe, useful structures. Engineers test their designs to ensure everything works well. They work in offices or on construction sites, often using computers or tools. Their ideas make life safer, easier, and more modern.
  • “My father is an engineer and works in construction.”
  • “Engineers can design bridges, buildings, and machines.”
• An accountant works with money and numbers. Accountants prepare financial records, check accounts, and make sure everything is correct. They also calculate taxes and give advice about spending or saving money. An accountant’s job is important because they help people and companies manage their money safely.
  • “My uncle is an accountant in a big company.”
  • “Accountants have to keep records of money carefully.”
• A secretary works in an office. Secretaries answer phone calls, write letters or emails, and organize files. They also arrange meetings and keep schedules for their bosses. A secretary’s job is important because they help the office run smoothly and stay organized.
  • “The secretary answered my call politely.”
  • “Secretaries can organize meetings and write emails.”
• A manager works in a company or an office. Managers lead a team of workers and make sure the job is done well. They plan and organize the work, give tasks to employees, and check their progress. A manager’s job is important because they guide the team and help the company reach its goals.
  • “Her dad is a manager in a bank.”
  • “Managers must make important decisions for the company.”
• A banker works in a bank. Bankers help people open accounts, keep their money safe, and give loans when they need money. They also count and check money, answer customers’ questions, and sometimes give advice about saving or investing. A banker’s job is important because they help people manage their money.
  • “My aunt is a banker. She works with loans.”
  • “Bankers can help people open accounts and borrow money.”
• A janitor, or custodian, works in a building like a school or an office. They are responsible for keeping the place clean and safe. Janitors sweep and mop the floors, take out the trash, clean the bathrooms, and sometimes fix small problems. It is a practical job that helps everyone work or study in a clean environment.
• A real estate agent helps people buy, sell, or rent houses and apartments. If you want to buy a home, a real estate agent is the first person you would call. They take you around and show you different houses or flats that might be for sale. Real estate agents explain prices, answer questions, and help with contracts. Their job is important because they guide people to find the right home.

Skilled & Practical Jobs

• A mechanic works in a garage or workshop. They check cars and trucks, find problems, and repair them. Mechanics change broken or old parts, fix engines, and make sure vehicles run well. Their job is important because they keep vehicles safe for people to travel.”
  • “My father is a mechanic. He fixes engines.”
  • “Mechanics can repair broken cars and machines.”
• An electrician works in homes, offices, or factories to manage electrical systems. They install lights, wires, and sockets for safe electricity use. Electricians diagnose problems, repair or replace faulty parts, and test systems to make sure they work safely. They use tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and voltage testers to do their job. An electrician’s work is important because it powers buildings and keeps electricity safe and reliable.
  • “The electrician repaired the lights in our classroom.”
  • “Electricians have to work carefully with electricity.”

• A plumber takes care of the water system in places such as homes, offices, or buildings. They install and fix pipes, taps, sinks, and toilets for proper water flow. Plumbers find and repair leaks, replace faulty parts, and ensure systems work safely. They use tools like wrenches and pipe cutters to solve problems. Their work keeps water clean and buildings functional.

  • “We called a plumber because the sink was leaking.”
  • “Plumbers can repair sinks, toilets, and pipes in houses.”
• Builder / Construction worker → builds houses and buildings.
  • “The builders are working on a new bridge.”
  • “Construction workers must wear helmets to stay safe.”
• A farmer works on a farm to grow food and take care of animals. Farmers plant seeds, water crops, and harvest fruits and vegetables. They also feed cows, chickens, or sheep and keep them healthy. If you eat bread, milk, or vegetables, a farmer is the person who produced them.
  • “My grandparents are farmers. They grow olives.”
  • “Farmers can produce food for people and take care of animals.”
• An architect designs buildings like houses, schools, and offices. They draw plans and make sure the building will be safe and useful. Architects also work with engineers and builders to turn their designs into real buildings. If you want to build a new house, an architect is the person who creates the design for it. Their job is important because they shape the places where people live and work.

Service Jobs

• A shopkeeper is a person who owns or runs a small shop. They sell goods to customers, arrange products on the shelves, and keep the shop clean. Shopkeepers also take payments, give change, and sometimes order new products to fill the shop. If you need something from a local store, the shopkeeper is the person who helps you.
  • “My father is a shopkeeper. He sells clothes.”
  • “Shopkeepers have to open their shops early in the morning.”
• A cashier is a person who works in a shop, supermarket, or restaurant to take payments. They scan or count the items, tell the customer the price, and take money or cards. Cashiers also give change and receipts. If you buy something in a store, the cashier is the person at the counter who helps you pay.
  • “The cashier gave me my change.”
  • “Cashiers can handle money and help customers quickly.”
• A waiter or waitress works in a café or restaurant. They take customers’ orders, bring food and drinks, and answer questions about the menu. Waiters also clear the tables and sometimes collect the payment. If you go out to eat, the waiter or waitress is the person who serves you at your table — and in many countries, you also give them a tip for their service.
  • “The waiter brought us our drinks.”
  • “Waiters must be polite to all customers.”
• A chef or cook works in a kitchen to prepare food. They plan the menu, cut and cook ingredients, and make meals for customers. Chefs also check the taste, decorate the plates, and keep the kitchen clean. If you eat in a restaurant, the chef is the person who makes the food you enjoy.
  • “My aunt is a chef in a restaurant.”
  • “Chefs can create new recipes and cook delicious meals.”
• A hairdresser works in a salon to cut, style, and color hair. They wash hair, use scissors, clippers, and combs, and blow-dry or straighten it. Hairdressers often focus on women’s hair, but they can also trim men’s hair or beards. They help customers choose a hairstyle that looks good on them. If you want a new hairstyle or hair color, a hairdresser is the person you visit.
  • “My mom went to the hairdresser’s”
  • “Hairdressers can cut, wash, and style people’s hair.”
• A barber works in a barbershop and focuses on men’s hair and facial hair. Barbers cut hair, shave with a razor, and trim beards and mustaches. They use clippers, razors, and shaving cream to shape clean edges. If you want a clean shave or a beard trim, a barber is the person to visit.
• A chauffeur is a person who drives a car for a living. They may work for a business that drives people to different places, like the airport, or they may work for one specific person. Chauffeurs open the door, help with luggage, and drive passengers safely. Their job is important because they provide safe and comfortable travel.
• A taxi driver drives people from one place to another in a taxi. They pick up passengers, take them to their destination, and collect the fare for the trip. If you don’t have a car or need to get somewhere quickly, a taxi driver is the person you call. Their job is important because they help people travel easily around the city.
• A florist is a person who works with flowers. They arrange and sell flowers in a shop, and make bouquets for birthdays, weddings, or other special days. If you want to buy flowers for someone, a florist is the person you visit.

Public Service Jobs

These are jobs where people work for the community or government to help and protect others.

• A police officer protects people and keeps order in the community. They patrol the streets, stop crimes, and help people in danger. Police officers also investigate problems, give directions, and make sure laws are followed. If you are lost or in trouble, a police officer is the person you can ask for help.
  • “My father is a police officer.”
  • “Police officers must follow the law and can protect people.”
• A soldier is a person who serves in the army to protect their country. Soldiers train hard, use equipment and weapons, and follow orders from their commanders. They may guard borders, help in emergencies, or fight in wars if necessary. If a country needs protection, soldiers are the people who defend it. Their job is important because they keep the nation safe.

  Like schools have students and principals, the army has soldiers and leaders in a clear hierarchy. New soldiers begin as privates, following orders and training for missions. Higher ranks, like sergeants, lead small teams and train privates. Captains and generals plan operations and make big decisions for the army. Each rank works together to keep the army strong and safe.

  • “My brother is a soldier.”
  • “Soldiers have to defend their country.”
• A lifeguard works at pools, beaches, or water parks to protect swimmers. They watch the water closely, rescue people in danger, and provide first aid. Lifeguards teach safety rules to prevent accidents. They use tools like rescue tubes and whistles to do their job. Their work saves lives and keeps water activities safe.
• A firefighter is a person who fights fires and keeps people safe. They drive fire trucks, use hoses to put out flames, and rescue people from dangerous places. Firefighters also help in accidents and teach people about fire safety. If a building is on fire, a firefighter is the person who comes to save lives.
  • “The firefighters arrived quickly.”
  • “Firefighters can save lives in dangerous situations.”
• A judge works in a court of law. Judges listen to lawyers, check the evidence, and make fair decisions about cases. They may decide if a person is guilty or not, or solve problems between people. If you go to court, the judge is the person who wears a robe and sits at the front. A judge’s job is important because they make sure laws are followed and justice is done..
  • “The judge listened carefully to the case.”
  • “Judges must be fair and make the right decision.”
• A lawyer works with laws and helps people with legal problems. Lawyers give advice, prepare documents, and speak for their clients in court. They try to prove their client’s side by showing evidence and asking questions. If you ever have a legal problem, a lawyer is the person you call to defend you. A lawyer’s job is important because they protect people’s rights and help find justice.
  • “My aunt is a lawyer.”
  • “Lawyers can defend people in court.”
• A civil servant works for the government in offices or public services. They help manage laws, records, and services for citizens. Civil servants may prepare documents, give information, or organize public programs. If you go to a government office for an ID card or other papers, a civil servant is the person who helps you. Their job is important because they keep government services running for everyone.
  • “My mom is a civil servant at the Ministry of Health.”
  • “Civil servants have to prepare official documents.”
• A courier delivers packages, letters, or food from one place to another. They pick up items, carry them safely, and make sure they reach the right person on time. If you order something online or ask for food delivery, a courier is the person who brings it to you.

Travel & Creative Jobs

• Driver → drives buses, taxis, or trucks.
  • “My dad is a taxi driver.”
  • “Drivers have to follow traffic rules carefully.”
• A pilot is a person who flies airplanes or helicopters. Pilots check the aircraft before flying, follow flight plans, and communicate with the control tower. They take passengers or goods safely from one place to another. If you travel by plane, the pilot is the person in the cockpit who flies it.
  • “The pilot announced we would land soon.”
  • “Pilots can fly airplanes across the world.”
• A flight attendant works on airplanes to help passengers during a flight. They greet people, check tickets, and show safety instructions before takeoff. Flight attendants serve food and drinks, answer questions, and help in emergencies. If you need something on a plane, the flight attendant is the person you call. Their job is important because they keep passengers safe and comfortable.
  • “The flight attendants gave us drinks.”
  • “Flight attendants must make sure passengers are safe.”
• Artist → paints or draws.
  • “My cousin is an artist.”
  • “Artists can express ideas and feelings through art.”
• Musician → plays instruments or sings.
  • “The musician played the guitar beautifully.”
  • “Musicians can perform in concerts and write songs.”

If Not Working

• Retired → stopped working because of age.
  • “My grandfather is retired now.”
• Unemployed → not working at the moment.
  • “My uncle is unemployed, but he’s looking for a job.”
• Homemaker (Housewife / Househusband) → stays at home to care for the family.
  • “My mom is a homemaker.”

Other Expressions:

• To get a job
• To start a job
• To quit a job
• To look for a job
• To look for work
• To be unemployed
• To be laid off (When you are laid off, they don’t need you anymore, and your boss says, ” I will lay you off” or “I will let you go”
• To be let go (You are let go)
• To get fired
• We’re hiring
• Apply for a job
• Drop off a resume ( and a cover letter)
• You are waiting to hear back
• You got the job
• To be hired by a company.
• This company has hired me
• To sign a contract
• When’s your first day of work?
• What day do you start?
• New guy/ New girl/ Rookie
• To be a trainee
• To have a mentor
• To quit a job
• I am outta here
• You should give your boss (employer) two weeks’ notice
• To get a pension
• To retire

When talking about jobs, we often explain what our parents or relatives do. If you’d like to learn more words about family members, check out our “ Family Vocabulary Guide in English.”