Distribution by occupation

The function of this indicator is two-fold: first it takes a look at the occupations carried out by the different population groups in Switzerland. Second, it considers occupation as the main form in which qualifications and the acquired skills are recognised and whether they are used. The indicator reflects the distribution of the different population groups in the labour market.

The distribution of ISCO occupations among the employed population reveals differences between those with and without a migration background but also among those from the first, second and subsequent generations.

The first generation is significantly less represented than other population groups in intermediate occupations and administrative jobs. This group, however, is significantly more represented among operators and assemblers, and unskilled workers.

Compared with people with another migration status, those from the second or subsequent generations are over-represented in intermediate occupations and administrative jobs. With regard to trade workers and labourers, the rates are similar for both first and second-generation migrants and higher than in the population with no migration background.

The population without a migration background shows significantly higher rates than other migration statuses in agricultural workers, among whom this population is represented four times more than the population with a migration background.

Between 2012 and 2020, the distribution by ISCO occupation among the employed population remained stable overall. In the population with and without a migration background the largest increase can be observed among intellectual or scientific occupations, whereas the largest decrease occurred among the trade workers and labourers.

The distribution of occupations among the population by nationality adds further elements for analysis. Swiss nationals are more represented than other nationality groups in intermediate occupations, administrative work and among agricultural workers.

No occupation group stands out significantly among the citizens of EU27 and EFTA member countries.

Citizens of other European countries have particularly low rates among intellectual and scientific occupations. They dominate, however, among trade workers and labourers and among operators and assemblers.

The group of citizens of other countries of the world dominates among service and sales workers.