Employment and occupational records document the work, trade, and economic activity of individuals. These records can provide insight into social status, skills, and daily life.
| Term | Definition |
| Apprentice | Person learning a trade under supervision. |
| Artisan | Skilled worker in a craft. |
| Employer | Person or company providing work. |
| Employment Record | Documentation of work history. |
| Foreman | Supervisor of workers. |
| Guild | Organization of workers in same trade. |
| Journeyman | Skilled worker not yet a master. |
| Laborer | Worker performing manual labor. |
| Master | Skilled worker qualified to train others. |
| Occupation | Type of work performed. |
| Payroll | Record of wages paid. |
| Profession | Specialized occupation requiring training. |
| Trade | Skilled manual occupation. |
| Union | Organization representing workers. |
| Wages | Payment for work. |
| Workhouse | Institution providing work for the poor. |
| Day Laborer | Worker hired on daily basis. |
| Contractor | Person hired for specific job or project. |
| Clerk | Office or administrative worker. |
| Merchant | Person engaged in trade or commerce. |
| Proprietor | Owner of business. |
| Employee | Person working for employer. |
| Supervisor | Person overseeing work. |
| Industrial Worker | Laborer in manufacturing setting. |
| Seasonal Worker | Worker employed during certain times of year. |
| Piecework | Work paid per unit produced. |
| Overtime | Work beyond standard hours. |
| Employment Contract | Agreement outlining work terms. |
| Trade Union | Organization protecting worker rights. |
| Skilled Labor | Work requiring training or expertise. |
| Unskilled Labor | Work requiring little formal training. |
| Self-Employed | Working for oneself. |
| Occupation Listing | Record identifying individual’s work. |
| Workforce | Group of working individuals. |
| Trade Directory | Listing of businesses and workers. |
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