Employment

Occupation of employment

About this topic

Occupation of employment classifies employed residents by the kind of work they do in their main job. It describes the roles, skills, and tasks people perform rather than the industry they work in.

This topic is useful for understanding the skill profile and socio-economic characteristics of the resident workforce. It is best interpreted with qualifications, individual income, and industry sector of employment.

Interpretation notes

  • Occupation classifies the kind of work done in a person's main job, not the employer's industry.
  • It applies to employed people aged 15 years and over, so it should be read with employment status when assessing labour market conditions.

Key insight

In 2021, Managers was the most common occupation group among employed residents in Dorset (M), accounting for 20.4% (586 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (13.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Technicians And Trades Workers, which increased by 66 people and 0.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Occupation of employment

Dorset (M) - Employed persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises occupation of employment for Dorset (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.

Occupation of employment snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Dorset (M), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..

Dorset (M)
Regional Tas.

Total Occupation Managers

2021 count

586

% of total

20.4%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Total Occupation Professionals

2021 count

273

% of total

9.5%

Change from 2016

+0.8pp

Total Occupation Technicians And Trades Workers

2021 count

391

% of total

13.6%

Change from 2016

+0.9pp

Total Occupation Community And Personal Service Workers

2021 count

288

% of total

10.0%

Change from 2016

+1.1pp

Total Occupation Clerical And Administrative Workers

2021 count

245

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Total Occupation Sales Workers

2021 count

199

% of total

6.9%

Change from 2016

-2.7pp

Total Occupation Machinery Operators And Drivers

2021 count

296

% of total

10.3%

Change from 2016

-0.4pp

Total Occupation Labourers

2021 count

539

% of total

18.8%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Total Occupation Inadequately Described Not Stated

2021 count

50

% of total

1.7%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Data table

Occupation of employment for Dorset (M). Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..

Occupation of employment for Dorset (M). Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Occupation of employment for Dorset (M). Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Tas.%Count%Regional Tas.%Countpp
Total Occupation Managers58620.4%13.1%52120.3%13.0%+65+0.1pp
Total Occupation Professionals2739.5%16.5%2228.7%15.6%+51+0.8pp
Total Occupation Technicians And Trades Workers39113.6%14.5%32512.7%14.6%+66+0.9pp
Total Occupation Community And Personal Service Workers28810.0%13.3%2278.9%12.0%+61+1.1pp
Total Occupation Clerical And Administrative Workers2458.5%10.6%2218.6%11.6%+24-0.1pp
Total Occupation Sales Workers1996.9%8.8%2469.6%10.0%-47-2.7pp
Total Occupation Machinery Operators And Drivers29610.3%8.0%27310.7%7.9%+23-0.4pp
Total Occupation Labourers53918.8%13.3%48118.8%13.6%+580.0pp
Total Occupation Inadequately Described Not Stated501.7%1.9%502.0%1.8%0-0.3pp
Total2,874100.0%100.0%2,561100.0%100.0%+3130.0pp