Lorry driver and shop assistant most popular jobs

In 2009, the most popular job among women was shop assistant and the most popular job among men was lorry driver. These jobs were also chosen in 1993.

Higher female labour participation does not cause shift

The female labour participation rate has grown in recent years. In the period 1993–2009, the labour participation rate for women increased from 42 to 60 percent of the employed labour force, but the same jobs have remained popular. In the top 10, shop assistants and other jobs in the sales sector occupied first place in 1993 as well as in 2009. Approximately 1 in every 16 working women were employed in the sales sector in 2009. Primary school teacher and household assistant came in second and third place.

Top 10 jobs women, 2009

Lorry driver popular among men

The most popular job among men was lorry driver in 1993 as well as in 2009. Approximately 1 in every 33 working men were lorry drivers. System analysts/computer programmers are in second place followed by jobs like cargo handler or removal man

Top 10 jobs men, 2009

New in the top10

Jobs like receptionist and desk assistant, social and cultural worker are new in the female top 10 relative to 1993. Computer programmer, provider of business services and production planner also appear in the male top 10, but were not on the list 1993.

More diversity in male jobs

There is more diversity in male than in female jobs. Last year, 28 percent of women were employed in the female top 10 of most popular female jobs. The corresponding figure for men was nearly 18 percent.

Boukje Janssen