Job vs. Profession: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 5, 2023
A job is a specific task or work for which one is paid, while a profession is a specialized vocation requiring advanced education and training, typically governed by a professional body.
Key Differences
Job is a term that primarily denotes a position of employment in an organization or company where one works to get paid; it doesn’t necessarily require specialized education or skills. Profession, on the other hand, typically implies a career that demands specialized education, training, and skills.
A job can be temporary or short-term, lasting just as long as the task requires, while a profession generally pertains to a lifelong career field or occupation, in which one may hold various jobs over time.
Jobs may or may not align with one’s career or professional goals, it might be something a person does simply to earn money; a profession often aligns with a person’s career goals, skill sets, and interests, often entailing a degree or specialized training.
Jobs do not always necessitate adhering to an ethical code or set standards, as the primary objective is to complete tasks for compensation. In contrast, a profession usually abides by a specific ethical code and set standards, ensuring quality and integrity in the professional field.
Additionally, jobs might not provide a clear or established career path and might not necessarily involve progression or development. A profession, conversely, usually entails a clear career path and progression, often involving continual learning and development.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A paid position of regular employment.
A paid occupation that requires prolonged training and qualification.
Duration
Can be short-term or long-term.
Generally considered a lifelong career.
Requirement
May or may not require special skills or training.
Requires specialized skills and training.
Progression
May not have a clear path for career progression.
Typically has a clear career trajectory with progression.
Ethical Code
Doesn’t necessarily adhere to a specific ethical code.
Often adheres to a specific ethical code and standards.
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Job and Profession Definitions
Job
Job refers to a specific task or piece of work.
Painting the fence is a big job.
Profession
Profession refers to the act of declaring or admitting openly.
His profession of love took her by surprise.
Job
A job is a paid position of employment.
She was offered a job at the local bank.
Profession
Profession denotes the members of a particular vocation collectively.
The legal profession gathered to discuss the new regulations.
Job
Job can refer to a responsibility or duty.
It’s your job to wash the dishes.
Profession
A profession is an occupation that one professes to be skilled in.
Teaching has always been considered a noble profession.
Job
Job might refer to a criminal act, especially a robbery.
They planned a job to rob the bank.
Profession
Profession can imply a public declaration or avowal.
His profession of faith was sincere and heartfelt.
Job
Job can denote a particular function or role.
His job is to manage the team.
Profession
A profession is a vocation requiring specialized educational training.
Medicine is a profession that requires years of study and practice.
Job
A regular activity performed in exchange for payment, especially as one's trade, occupation, or profession
Her job is doing drug research.
Profession
An occupation or career
"One of the highest compliments a child can pay a parent is to choose his or her profession" (Joan Nathan).
Job
A position of employment
How many jobs are open at the factory?.
Profession
An occupation, such as law, medicine, or engineering, that requires considerable training and specialized study.
Job
A task that must be done
Let's finish this job before we start another.
Profession
The body of qualified persons in an occupation or field
Members of the teaching profession.
FAQs
What is a job?
A job is a paid position of regular employment.
What is a profession?
A profession is a paid occupation that typically requires specialized training and education.
Can the first job determine your profession?
Not necessarily, while a first job can influence career path, it does not determine one’s profession.
Does every job require specialized skills?
No, not every job requires specialized skills or training.
Is every profession regulated by a professional body?
Not all, but many professions are regulated by a relevant professional body.
Is specialized training always long-term for professions?
Typically professions require extended training, but duration can vary by field.
Can a job be temporary?
Yes, a job can be either temporary or permanent.
Can one have multiple jobs within one profession?
Yes, individuals can have various jobs within their chosen profession.
Do all professions have ethical guidelines?
Many professions have ethical guidelines, but it may vary depending on the field.
Can a profession change over time?
Yes, individuals can change their profession over time.
Can one have a job in a different field from their profession?
Yes, it is possible to have a job outside of one’s established profession.
How do hobbies relate to jobs and professions?
Hobbies are activities done for pleasure, while jobs are done for pay, and professions relate to a career field often requiring specialized training.
What’s an example of a job that is not a profession?
Working a summer job at a cafe might not be considered a profession.
Can one profession include various jobs?
Yes, a profession can encompass various jobs, roles, or positions.
How is a career different from a job and profession?
A career is an individual's journey through learning and work, whereas a job is a position of employment, and a profession is a specific occupation requiring specialized training.
Is it necessary to have a degree for a profession?
Often professions require degrees or certifications, but it can depend on the field.
Is a profession lifelong?
Often, a profession relates to a lifelong career, but it can vary individually.
Is a job always related to one’s profession?
No, a job may not always relate to one’s profession or career field.
Can a job turn into a profession?
Potentially, if a job leads to a specialized career path, it might become a profession.
Can someone have a job without having a profession?
Yes, one can have a job without it being related to a formal profession.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
