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, Professionals was the most common occupation group among employed residents in South Penrith, accounting for 16.6% (928 people). This share was lower than Penrith (C) (17%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Sales Workers, which decreased by 89 people and 1.7 percentage points.

Section overview

Occupation of employment

South Penrith - Employed persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises occupation of employment for South Penrith in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.

Occupation of employment snapshot

2021 distribution by category for South Penrith, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).

South Penrith
Penrith (C)

Total Occupation Managers

2021 count

579

% of total

10.4%

Change from 2016

+0.6pp

Total Occupation Professionals

2021 count

928

% of total

16.6%

Change from 2016

+1.0pp

Total Occupation Technicians And Trades Workers

2021 count

853

% of total

15.3%

Change from 2016

+0.1pp

Total Occupation Community And Personal Service Workers

2021 count

645

% of total

11.6%

Change from 2016

+1.0pp

Total Occupation Clerical And Administrative Workers

2021 count

927

% of total

16.6%

Change from 2016

-1.4pp

Total Occupation Sales Workers

2021 count

468

% of total

8.4%

Change from 2016

-1.7pp

Total Occupation Machinery Operators And Drivers

2021 count

535

% of total

9.6%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Total Occupation Labourers

2021 count

539

% of total

9.7%

Change from 2016

+0.5pp

Total Occupation Inadequately Described Not Stated

2021 count

113

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Data table

Occupation of employment for South Penrith. Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).

Occupation of employment for South Penrith. Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
Occupation of employment for South Penrith. Occupation of employment. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Penrith (C)%Count%Penrith (C)%Countpp
Total Occupation Managers57910.4%11.3%5419.8%10.1%+38+0.6pp
Total Occupation Professionals92816.6%17.0%86215.6%14.8%+66+1.0pp
Total Occupation Technicians And Trades Workers85315.3%13.9%84015.2%14.8%+13+0.1pp
Total Occupation Community And Personal Service Workers64511.6%11.0%58310.6%10.5%+62+1.0pp
Total Occupation Clerical And Administrative Workers92716.6%16.3%99418.0%17.8%-67-1.4pp
Total Occupation Sales Workers4688.4%8.3%55710.1%9.6%-89-1.7pp
Total Occupation Machinery Operators And Drivers5359.6%11.1%5189.4%10.8%+17+0.2pp
Total Occupation Labourers5399.7%9.1%5099.2%9.7%+30+0.5pp
Total Occupation Inadequately Described Not Stated1132.0%2.0%1082.0%1.9%+50.0pp
Total5,582100.0%100.0%5,518100.0%100.0%+640.0pp