The 1911 Census offers a great little piece of information that many people overlook. Occupational codes can be used to help distinguish the occupations of our ancestors, especially if handwriting is illegible.
You can use the following table as a key.
Code | Occupation(s) |
---|---|
000 | Schoolmasters, Teachers, Professors, Lecturers – In Schools &c under Local Authorities |
010 | Other Domestic Indoor Servants |
020 | Charwomen |
030 | Laundry Workers |
040 | Washers, Ironers, Manglers &c (not in Laundries) |
050 | Commercial or Business Clerks |
060 | Coachmen (not Domestic); Cabmen |
061 | Horsekeepers, Grooms, Stablemen (not Domestic) |
070 | Carmen, Carriers, Carters, Wagoners (not Farm) |
080 | Dock Labourers, Wharf Labourers |
090 | Messengers, Porters, Watchmen (not Railway or Government) |
100 | Farmers, Graziers |
110 | Farmers, Graziers – Sons, Daughters or other relatives assisting in the work of the farm |
120 | Agricultural Labourers, Farm Servants – Distinguished as in charge of Cattle |
130 | Agricultural Labourers, Farm Servants – Distinguished as in charge of Horses |
140 | Agricultural Labourers, Farm Servants – Not otherwise distinguished |
150 | Coal and Shale Mine – Workers at the Face |
160 | Coal and Shale Mine – Other workers below ground |
170 | Coal and Shale Mine – Workers above ground |
172 | Coal and Shale Mine – Other Mine Service |
180 | Ironfounders Moulders, Core Makers |
181 | Ironfounders Foundry Labourers |
182 | Ironfounders Fettlers |
183 | Ironfounders Cupola, Oven – Men |
184 | Ironfounders others |
190 | Blacksmiths, Strikers |
201 | Erectors, Fitters, Turners – Labourers |
210 | Carpenters, Joiners |
211 | Carpenters, Joiners – Labourers |
220 | Bricklayers |
230 | Bricklayers Labourers |
240 | Painters, Decorators |
250 | Weaving Processes |
260 | Drapers, Linen Drapers, Mercers |
270 | Tailors |
280 | Dressmakers |
290 | Shirt Makers; Seamstresses |
300 | Boot, Shoe – Makers |
310 | Butchers, Meat Salesmen |
320 | Grocers; Tea, Coffee, Chocolate – Dealers |
330 | General Labourers |
340 | Engine – Drivers, Stokers, Firemen (not Railway, Marine, or Agricultural) |
350 | Retired from Business (not Army or Navy) |
360 | Pensioners |
361 | Old Age Pensioners (Occupation or former Occupation not stated) |
370 | Private Means |
380 | Students |
390 | Scholars |
401 | Post Office – Telegraphists, Telephone Operators |
402 | Other Post Office Officers and Clerks |
403 | Postmen |
404 | Post Office Messengers &c |
405 | Other Civil Service Officers and Clerks |
406 | Other Civil Service Messengers &c |
407 | Police |
408 | Poor Law Service |
409 | Municipal, Parish, and other Local or County Offices |
411 | Army Officers (Effective) |
412 | Army Officers (Retired) |
413 | Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers |
414 | Officers of the Navy(Effective) |
415 | Officers of the Navy(Retired) |
416 | Men of the Navy |
417 | Officers of the Marines (Effective) |
418 | Officers of the Marines (Retired) |
419 | Men of the Marines |
421 | Clergymen (Established Church) |
422 | Roman Catholic Priests |
423 | Ministers, Priests, of other Religious Bodies |
424 | City Missionaries, Scripture Readers, Itinerant Preachers |
425 | Monks, Nuns, Sisters of Charity |
426 | Church, Chapel, Cemetery – Officers &c |
427 | Barristers |
428 | Solicitors |
429 | Law Clerks |
431 | Physicians, Surgeons, Registered Practitioners |
432 | Dentists (including Assistants) |
433 | Veterinary Surgeons |
434 | Midwives |
435 | Sick Nurses, Invalid Attendants – in Institutions of Local Authorities |
436 | Sick Nurses, Invalid Attendants – in other Institutions |
437 | Sick Nurses, Invalid Attendants – other |
438 | Subordinate Medical Service |
441 | Schoolmasters, Teachers, Professors, Lecturers – In other Schools &c |
442 | Schoolmasters, Teachers, Professors, Lecturers – Private |
443 | Schoolmasters, Teachers, Professors, Lecturers – Undefined |
444 | Others connected with Education under Local Authorities |
445 | Others connected with Education, Schools &c |
451 | Authors, Editors, Journalists, Reporters |
452 | Persons engaged in Scientific Pursuits |
453 | Others Connected with Literature &c – under Local Authorities |
454 | Others connected with Literature &c – other |
456 | Civil, Mining – Engineers |
457 | Land, House, Ship – Surveyors |
458 | Professional Engineers, Professional Surveyors – Assistants |
461 | Painters, Sculptors, Artists |
462 | Architects |
463 | Engravers |
464 | Photographers |
465 | Musicians, Music Masters, Singers |
466 | Actors |
467 | Art, Music, Theatre – Service &c |
469 | Performers, Showmen; Exhibition, Games – Service |
471 | Domestic, Indoor Servants – Hotel, Lodging House, Eating House |
475 | Day Girls, Day Servants (so returned) |
476 | Domestic – Coachmen, Grooms |
477 | Domestic – Motor Car Drivers, Motor Car Attendants |
478 | Domestic Gardeners |
479 | Gamekeepers |
481 | College, Club – Service |
482 | Hospital, Institution, Benevolent Society – Service under Local Authorities (not Poor Law) |
483 | Hospital, Institution, Benevolent Society – Service Other |
484 | Park, Lodge, Gate &c – Keepers (not Government) |
485 | Caretakers, Office Keepers (not Government) |
486 | Cooks (not Domestic) |
487 | Bath and Wash-house Service – Under Local Authorities |
488 | Bath and Wash-house Service – Other |
489 | Others engaged in Service |
491 | Merchants (commodity undefined) |
492 | Brokers, Agents, Factors |
493 | Salesmen, Buyers (not otherwise described) |
494 | Commercial Travellers |
495 | Accountants |
496 | Auctioneers, Appraisers, Valuers, House Agents |
497 | Officers of Commercial Guilds, Societies &c |
501 | Bankers; Bank – Officials, Clerks |
502 | Bill – Discounters, Brokers; Finance Agents |
505 | Life, House, Ship &c Insurance – Officials, Clerks &c |
506 | Insurance Agents |
510 | Railway – Officials, Clerks |
511 | Railway Ticket – Examiners, Collectors, Checkers |
512 | Railway Engine – Drivers, Stokers, Cleaners |
513 | Railway Guards |
514 | Signalmen |
515 | Pointsmen, Level Crossing Men |
516 | Platelayers, Gangers, Packers |
517 | Railway Labourers (not Railway Contractors Labourers) |
518 | Railway Porters |
519 | Other Railway Servants |
521 | Livery Stable Keepers; Coach, Cab – Proprietors |
522 | Motor Garage – Proprietors, Workers |
523 | Motor Car Drivers (not Domestic); Motor Cab Drivers |
524 | Motor Van &c Drivers |
525 | Motor Van &c Guards, Boys |
526 | Others Connected with Carrying or Cartage |
527 | Omnibus Service – Horse Drivers |
528 | Omnibus Service – Motor Drivers |
529 | Omnibus Service – Conductors |
530 | Omnibus Service – Others |
531 | Local Authority Tramway Service – Drivers |
532 | Local Authority Tramway Service – Conductors |
533 | Local Authority Tramway Service – Others |
534 | Other Tramway Service – Drivers |
535 | Other Tramway Service – Conductors |
536 | Other Tramway Service – Others |
537 | Others on Roads |
541 | Merchant Service; Seamen – Navigating Department |
542 | Merchant Service; Seamen – Engineering Department |
543 | Merchant Service; Seamen – Cooks, Stewards, & others (Subsidiary Services) |
544 | Pilots; Boatmen on Seas |
545 | Bargemen, Lightermen, Watermen |
546 | Navigation Service (on Shore) – Railway Company |
547 | Navigation Service (on Shore) – Other |
551 | Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse – Officials & Servants – Government |
552 | Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse – Officials & Servants – Local Authority |
553 | Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse – Officials & Servants – Railway Company |
554 | Harbour, Dock, Wharf, Lighthouse – Officials & Servants – Other |
556 | Warehousemen |
557 | Coalheavers; Coal – Porters, Labourers |
558 | Telegraph, Telephone – Service (not Government) |
561 | Farm – Bailiffs, Foremen |
562 | Shepherds |
563 | Woodmen |
564 | Nurserymen, Seedsmen, Florists |
565 | Market Gardeners (including Labourers) |
566 | Other Gardeners (not Domestic) |
567 | Agricultural Machine – Proprietors, Attendants |
568 | Others engaged in or connected with Agriculture |
571 | Fishermen |
581 | Coke Burners |
582 | Patent Fuel Manufacture |
583 | Iron – Miners, Quarriers |
584 | Copper Miners |
585 | Tin Miners |
586 | Lead Miners |
587 | Miners in other Minerals |
588 | Mettalliferous Mine – Owners, General Managers, Captains |
589 | Mettalliferous Mine – Other Mine Service |
590 | Stone, Slate &c Mine or Quarry Owners, Agents, Managers |
591 | Stone – Miners, Quarriers |
592 | Stone – Cutters, Dressers |
593 | Slate – Miners, Quarriers |
594 | Slate Workers |
595 | Limeburners |
596 | Clay, Sand, Gravel, Chalk – Pit &c Workers |
597 | Other Workers in Products of Quarries |
598 | Coal, Coke – Merchants, Dealers |
599 | Dealers in Stone, Slate &c |
601 | Pig Iron manufacture (Blast Furnaces) |
602 | Puddling Furnaces; Iron and Steel Rolling Mills |
603 | Tube Manufacture |
604 | Steel – Manufacture, Smelting, Founding |
610 | Galvanized Sheet Manufacture |
611 | Tinplate Manufacture |
612 | Copper Manufacture |
613 | Lead Manufacture |
614 | Zinc Manufacture |
615 | Brass, Bronze – Manufacture |
616 | Manufacture of other or unspecified Metals |
620 | Patternmakers |
621 | Millwrights |
622 | Brassfounders |
623 | Brass Finishers |
624 | Coppersmiths |
625 | Metal Machinist |
626 | Labourers (undefined) in Engineering Works |
627 | Boiler Makers |
628 | Other or undefined Workers In Engine and Machine Making – In Textile Machinery Fittings &c |
629 | Other or undefined Workers In Engine and Machine Making – Others |
633 | Electrical Cable Manufacture |
634 | Electric Lamp Manufacture |
635 | Other Electrical Apparatus Makers; Electrical Fitters – Government |
636 | Other Electrical Apparatus Makers; Electrical Fitters – Other |
637 | Electricians (undefined) |
644 | Tool Makers |
645 | File Makers |
646 | Saw Makers |
647 | Cutlers; Scissors Makers |
648 | Needle, Pin – Makers |
649 | Steel Pen Makers |
650 | Roller Engravers, Block Cutters (for Text &c Printing) |
651 | Type – Cutters, Founders |
652 | Die, Seal, Coin, Medal – Makers |
653 | Gunsmiths, Gun Manufacturers – Government |
654 | Gunsmiths, Gun Manufacturers – Other |
655 | Sword, Bayonet – Makers, Cutlers |
661 | Nail Manufacture |
662 | Bolt, Nut, Rivet, Screw, Staple – Makers |
663 | Anchor, Chain – Manufacture |
664 | Stove, Grate, Range, Fire Iron – Makers |
665 | Bedstead Makers (Iron or Brass) |
666 | Wire – Drawers, Makers, Workers, Weavers |
667 | Lock, Key – Makers |
668 | Gas Fittings Makers |
669 | Lamp, Lantern, Candlestick – Makers |
671 | White Metal, Plated – Ware Manufacturers; Pewterers |
672 | Tinplate Goods Makers |
673 | Copper Workers |
674 | Leaden Goods Makers |
675 | Zinc Workers |
676 | Brass, Bronze – Workers |
677 | Other Iron Goods Makers |
678 | Iron Workers (undefined) |
679 | Other Metal Workers |
680 | Ship Painters |
681 | Ship – Platers, Rivetters &c |
682 | Ship – Other Workers in Iron |
683 | Shipwrights |
684 | Ship – Other Workers in Wood |
685 | Shipyard Labourers (undefined) |
686 | Others in Ship and Boat Building |
691 | Railway – Coach, Wagon Makers – Railway Company Workers |
692 | Railway – Coach, Wagon Makers – Others |
693 | Tram Car Makers |
694 | Cycle Makers |
695 | Motor Car Chassis Makers |
696 | Motor Car Body Makers |
697 | Coach, Carriage – Makers |
698 | Wheelwrights |
699 | Others in Construction of Vehicles |
701 | Iron Mongers; Hardware – Dealers, Merchants |
702 | Other Dealers in Metals, Machines &c |
711 | Goldsmiths, Silversmiths, Jewellers |
712 | Lapidaries and other Workers |
713 | Watchmakers, Clockmakers |
714 | Scientific Instrument Makers; Opticians |
715 | Photographic Apparatus Makers |
716 | Weighing and Measuring Apparatus Makers |
717 | Surgical & Dental Instrument & Apparatus Makers |
721 | Piano, Organ – Makers |
722 | Other Musical Instrument Makers |
723 | Fishing Tackle, Toy, Game Apparatus – Makers |
726 | Dealers in Precious Metals, Jewellery, & Watches |
727 | Dealers in Instruments, Toys &c |
730 | Architectural, Monumental – Carvers, Sculptors |
731 | Builders |
732 | Builders Labourers |
733 | Masons |
734 | Masons Labourers |
735 | Slaters, Tilers |
736 | Plasterers |
737 | Plasterers Labourers |
738 | Paperhangers, Whitewashers |
739 | Monumental Masons |
740 | Glaziers |
741 | Plumbers |
742 | Gasfitters |
743 | Locksmiths, Bellhangers |
744 | Railway, Canal, Harbour &c – Contractors |
745 | Navvies; Railway &c Contractors Labourers |
746 | Well, Mine – Sinkers, Borers |
747 | Road – Contractors, Surveyors, Inspectors |
748 | Paviours, Road Labourers – Under Local Authorities |
749 | Paviours, Road Labourers – Others |
751 | Cabinet Makers |
752 | French Polishers |
753 | Upholsterers |
754 | House and Shop Fittings Makers |
755 | Undertakers; Funeral Furniture Makers |
756 | Wood Carvers; Carvers and Gilders |
757 | Willow, Cane, Rush – Workers; Basket Makers |
758 | Dealers in Works of Art |
759 | Furniture &c Dealers |
761 | Sawyers; Wood Cutting Machinists |
762 | Lath, Wooden Fence, Hurdle – Makers |
763 | Wood Turners |
764 | Wooden Box, Packing Case – Makers |
765 | Coopers; Hoop – Makers, Benders |
766 | Cork, Bark – Cutters, Workers |
767 | Other Workers in Wood |
768 | Timber, Wood, Cork, Bark – Merchants, Dealers |
771 | Brick, Plain Tile, Terra-Cotta – Makers |
772 | Plaster, Cement – Manufacture |
773 | Earthenware, China, Porcelain – Manufacture |
774 | Sheet, Plate – Glass Manufacture |
775 | Glass Bottle Manufacture |
776 | Other Workers in Glass Manufacture |
777 | Brick, Cement – Dealers |
778 | Earthenware, China, Glass – Dealers |
780 | Dye, Paint, Ink, Blacking – Manufacture |
781 | Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance – Manufacture – Government |
782 | Gunpowder, Guncotton, Explosive Substance – Manufacture – Other |
783 | Cartridge, Fireworks, Explosive Article – Manufacture – Government |
784 | Cartridge, Fireworks, Explosive Article – Manufacture – Other |
785 | Lucifer Match Manufacture |
786 | Salt Makers |
787 | Manufacturing Chemists |
788 | Alkali Manufacture |
789 | Chemists, Druggists |
791 | Oil – Millers, Refiners; Oil Cake Makers |
792 | Candle, Grease – Manufacture |
793 | Soap – Boilers, Makers |
794 | Manure Manufacture |
795 | India Rubber, Gutta Percha – Workers |
796 | Waterproof Goods Makers |
797 | Glue, Size, Varnish &c – Makers |
798 | Oil and Colourmen |
799 | Other Dealers of Order 15 |
801 | Furriers, Skinners |
802 | Tanners |
803 | Curriers |
804 | Leather Goods, Portmanteau, Bag, Strap &c Makers |
805 | Saddlers; Harness, Whip – Makers |
807 | Brush, Broom – Makers; Hair, Bristle – Workers |
808 | Quill, Feather – Dressers |
809 | Dealers in Skins, Leather, Hair, and Feathers |
810 | Paper Manufacture – Rag &c – Cutting, Dusting, Sorting |
811 | Paper Manufacture – Other processes |
812 | Paper Stainers |
813 | Stationery Manufacture |
814 | Envelope Makers |
815 | Paper Bag Makers |
816 | Cardboard Box Makers |
817 | Other workers in Paper &c |
818 | Stationers, Law Stationers |
819 | Other Dealers in Paper |
820 | Printers – Hand Compositors |
821 | Printers – Machine Compositors |
822 | Printers – Printing Machine Minders |
823 | Printers – Stereotypers, Electrotypers |
824 | Printers – Others in Printing |
825 | Lithographers; Copper & Steel Plate Printers |
826 | Bookbinders |
827 | Book, Print – Publishers, Sellers |
828 | Newspaper Publishers |
829 | Newspaper Agents, News Room Keepers |
830 | Cotton – Card and Blowing Room Processes – Strippers and Grinders |
831 | Cotton – Card and Blowing Room Processes – Others |
832 | Cotton – Spinning Processes |
833 | Cotton – Winding, Warping &c Processes |
834 | Cotton – Workers in other Processes |
835 | Cotton – Workers undefined |
836 | Cotton – Fustian Cutting |
841 | Wool – Sorting Processes |
842 | Wool – Carding and Combing Processes |
843 | Wool and Worsted – Spinning Processes |
844 | Wool and Worsted – Weaving Processes |
845 | Wool and Worsted – Workers in other processes |
846 | Wool and Worsted – Workers undefined |
851 | Silk – Spinning Processes |
852 | Silk – Weaving Processes |
853 | Silk – Workers in other processes |
854 | Silk – Workers undefined |
861 | Flax, Linen – Manufacture |
862 | Hemp Manufacture |
863 | Jute Manufacture |
864 | Cocoa Fibre Manufacture |
865 | Rope, Twine, Cord – Makers |
866 | Mat Makers |
867 | Canvas, Sailcloth, Sacking, Net &c – Manufacture |
870 | Thread Manufacture |
871 | Hosiery Manufacture |
872 | Lace Manufacture |
873 | Elastic Web Manufacture |
874 | Carpet, Rug, Felt – Manufacture |
875 | Smallware Manufacture |
876 | Fancy Goods (Textile) &c Manufacture |
877 | Weavers of Sundry Fabrics and undefined |
878 | Others Workers in Sundry Fabrics and undefined |
879 | Factory Hand (Textile) Undefined |
881 | Textile Bleachers |
882 | Textile Printers |
883 | Textile Dyers |
884 | Textile – Calenderers, Finishers &c |
886 | Other Dealers in Textile Fabrics |
890 | Straw Plait Manufacture |
891 | Straw Hat, Straw Bonnet – Manufacture |
892 | Felt Hat Manufacture |
893 | Makers of Cloth Hats and Caps |
894 | Makers of other Hats and Caps |
895 | Milliners |
896 | Hat, Bonnet, Straw Plait &c – Dealers |
897 | Clothiers, Outfitters – Dealers |
898 | Stay, Corset – Makers |
899 | Button Makers |
900 | Glove Makers |
901 | Hosiers, Haberdashers |
902 | Slipper Makers |
903 | Patten, Clog – Makers |
904 | Boot, Shoe, Patten, Clog – Dealers |
905 | Artificial Flower Makers |
906 | Wig Makers; Hairdressers |
907 | Umbrella, Parasol, Stick – Makers |
908 | Other Workers in Dress |
909 | Other Dealers in Dress |
915 | Creamery Workers |
916 | Milksellers, Dairymen |
917 | Provision Curers |
918 | Cheesemongers, Buttermen, Provision Dealers |
919 | Slaughterers |
921 | Fish Curers |
922 | Fishmongers, Poulterers, Game Dealers |
923 | Millers; Cereal Food Manufacture |
924 | Corn, Flour, Seed – Merchants, Dealers |
925 | Bread, Biscuit, Cake &c – Makers |
926 | Bakers, Confectioners (Dealers) |
927 | Sugar Refiners |
928 | Jam, Preserve, Sweet – Makers |
929 | Chocolate, Cocoa – Makers |
931 | Greengrocers, Fruiterers |
932 | Ginger Beer, Mineral Water – Manufacture |
933 | Mustard, Vinegar, Spice, Pickle &c – Makers |
934 | Other Dealers in Food |
935 | Tobacco Manufacture |
936 | Tobacconists |
937 | Maltsters |
938 | Brewers |
939 | Distillers; Spirit Manufacture |
941 | Coffee House, Eating House – Keepers |
942 | Lodging House, Boarding House – Keepers |
943 | Inn, Hotel – Keepers; Publicans, Beersellers, Cider Dealers |
944 | Beer Bottlers |
945 | Cellarmen |
946 | Barmen |
947 | Waiters (not Domestic) |
948 | Others in Inn, Hotel, Eating House – Service |
949 | Wine and Spirit – Merchants, Agents |
950 | Local Authority Gas Works Service – Gas Makers |
951 | Local Authority Gas Works Service – Others |
952 | Other Gas Works Service – Gas Makers |
953 | Other Gas Works Service – Others |
954 | Local Authority Waterworks Service |
955 | Other Waterworks Service |
956 | Local Authority Electricity Supply – Generation and Distribution |
957 | Local Authority Electricity Supply – Others |
958 | Other Electricity Supply – Generation and Distribution |
959 | Other Electricity Supply – Others |
961 | Local Authority Drainage and Sanitary Service |
962 | Other Drainage and Sanitary Service |
963 | Local Authority Scavenging and Disposal of Refuse |
964 | Other Scavenging and Disposal of Refuse |
970 | Circular, Envelope – Addressers &c |
971 | Advertising, Bill Posting – Agents |
972 | Bill Posters |
973 | Sandwichmen, Bill Distributors |
974 | Cattle, Sheep, Pig – Dealers, Salesmen |
975 | Drovers, Lairmen |
976 | Dog, Bird, Animal – Keepers, Dealers |
977 | Knackers; Catsmeat Dealers |
980 | Celluloid – Makers, Workers |
981 | Tobacco Pipe, Snuff-box &c – Makers |
982 | Bone, Horn, Ivory, Tortoiseshell – Workers |
983 | Floor Cloth, Oil Cloth – Manufacture |
984 | Japanners |
985 | Chimney Sweeps |
986 | Rag – Gatherers, Dealers |
987 | Other Workers in Sundry Industries |
988 | Other Dealers in Sundry Industries |
989 | Receiving Shop, Receiving Office – Keeper, Assistant (Laundry: Dyers and Cleaners) |
990 | Multiple Shop, Multiple Store – Proprietor, Worker (general or undefined) |
991 | General or Unclassified Shopkeepers, General Dealers |
992 | Pawnbrokers |
993 | Costermongers, Hawkers, Street Sellers |
994 | Contractors, Manufacturers, Managers, Superintendants (undefined) |
995 | News – Boy, Vendor (street or undefined) |
996 | Artizans, Mechanics, Apprentices (undefined) |
997 | Factory – Hands, Labourers (undefined) |
998 | Machinists, Machine Workers (undefined) |
X | Other |