The difference between Occupation and Profession in English
Profession
Requires a degree or completed studies at a university (or higher education). It involves extensive training and special knowledge.
Examples of professions are accountants, architects, doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers.
Notice how you need a degree (higher education) to be able to work in these professions.
Occupation
The way you earn a living. It is the job you are paid to do. Think of it as the activity that “occupies” your time and from which you receive money for doing it.
Occupation is a formal word for job.
In a perfect world, your profession and occupation (or job) are the same thing. Unfortunately there are people that have a profession but work in something completely different.
Compare the difference
I studied teaching at university and I am a teacher right now. My profession and my occupation are the same.
I studied teaching at university but now I am an actor. My profession is teacher though my occupation (or my job right now) is actor.
Summary Chart
