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