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Occupation ratings for Life, TPD and Income Protection insurance
Search our interactive database to find out how insurers classify your occupation.
Your occupation could have a big impact on life insurance. If you work in a risky occupation you might find that certain exclusions are added to your policy at the time of underwriting or you could end up paying slightly higher premiums.
You can check your occupation on our interactive list to get an idea of how your job might affect life insurance.
Search for your specific occupation*
| Occupation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Abattoir – supervisor | Heavy manual worker |
| Abattoir – worker or slaughterer | Non-insurable |
| Accountant | High earning white collar |
| Accounts clerk or bookkeeper | White collar |
| Actor or actress | Non-insurable |
| Actuary | High earning white collar |
| Acupuncturist (qualified Aust registered) | High earning white collar |
| Advertising executive (degree qualified) | High earning white collar |
| 3 years) "}">Agricultural contractor (established > 3 years) | High risk |
| Agronomist | High earning white collar |
| Air conditioning installer | Manual worker |
| Alarm installer | Manual worker |
| Ambulance officer or driver | Heavy manual worker |
| Amusement parlour or centre | Manual worker |
| Amway salesperson – full time | White collar |
| Amway salesperson – part time | High risk |
| Anaesthetist | High earning white collar |
| Animal breeder | Heavy manual worker |
| Animal groomer | Heavy manual worker |
| Animal shooter | Non-insurable |
| Animal trainer | High risk |
| Announcer – radio or television | Non-insurable |
| Antenna erector | High risk |
| Antique dealer – delivery | Heavy manual worker |
| Antique dealer – restoration | Manual worker |
| Antique dealer – sales and office | White collar |
| Apiarist or beekeeper | Heavy manual worker |
| Aquarium shop worker | Manual worker |
| Archaeologist – field work | Manual worker |
| Archaeologist – office only | High earning white collar |
| Architect (qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Armed Services – All ranks (no special hazards) | Non-insurable |
| Armed Services – Navy divers (no special hazards | Non-insurable |
| Armed Services – Navy submariners | Non-insurable |
| Armoured van driver | High risk |
| Art dealer | White collar |
| Artist – commercial only | Artist – commercial only |
| Artist – painter or sculptor | Non-insurable |
| Artist supplies shop worker | White collar |
| Asbestos worker | Non-insurable |
| Asphalt layers | High risk |
| Assessor – insurance | White collar |
| Astronomer | High earning white collar |
| Auctioneer | White collar |
| Audiologist, Audiometrist | High earning white collar |
| Auditor (tertiary qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Author | Non-insurable |
| Auto electrician | Manual worker |
| Aviation industry air traffic controller | Non-insurable |
| Aviation industry aircraft maintenance – refueller, security, unskilled worker | High risk |
| Aviation industry aircraft maintenance – qualified, skilled worker | Manual worker |
| Aviation industry ground staff – baggage handler or porter | High risk |
| Aviation industry ground staff – cleaner | Heavy manual worker |
| Aviation industry ground staff – management and clerical | White collar |
| Aviation, agriculture or cattle mustering | Non-insurable |
| Aviation or balloonists – professionals | Non-insurable |
| Aviation or charter (professional pilot) | Non-insurable |
| Aviation instructor | Non-insurable |
| Aviation military pilots and crew | Non-insurable |
| Aviation parachutists – instructors | Non-insurable |
| Aviation parachutists – military (not special air services) | Non-insurable |
| Aviation regular public transport (pilots and crew) | Non-insurable |
| Aviation test pilots | Non-insurable |
| Avon sales person | Individual consideration |
| Backhoe, bobcat, bulldozer – others | High risk |
| Backhoe, bobcat, bulldozer – owner or operator est. 3 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Bailiff | Manual worker |
| Baker | Manual worker |
| Bakery - supervisor | Light manual worker |
| Bank, building society, credit union – security staff | High risk |
| Bank, building society, credit union – manager, clerk, teller | White collar |
| Barber | Light manual worker |
| Barrister | White collar |
| White collar | High risk |
| Battery fitting | Heavy manual worker |
| Beach inspector | Heavy manual worker |
| Beautician – salon only | Manual worker |
| Beautician – working from home or mobile | Non-insurable |
| Bedding store worker | White collar |
| Beekeeper or apiarist | Heavy manual worker |
| Bicycle store worker | Manual worker |
| Biochemist | High earning white collar |
| Biologist (no field work) | High earning white collar |
| Biologist, Marine (field work, no diving) | Light manual worker |
| Blacksmith or farrier | High risk |
| Blaster or explosives handler | Non-insurable |
| Blind, awning, screen – manufacturer or installer | Manual worker |
| Blind, awning, screen – supervising, quoting (up to 20% light manual only) | Light manual worker |
| Boarding house owner | High risk |
| Boat builder | Heavy manual worker |
| Boating equipment supply or chandler | White collar |
| Bobcat, backhoe or bulldozer – other | High risk |
| Bobcat, backhoe or bulldozer – owner operator established 3 yrs | Heavy manual worker |
| Boilermaker | Manual worker |
| Book shop worker | White collar |
| Bookbinder | Manual worker |
| Bookkeeper | White collar |
| Bookmaker (licensed) | High risk |
| Bootmaker | Manual worker |
| Botanist | High earning white collar |
| Bottle dealer | High risk |
| Brassware shop worker | White collar |
| Bread or cake shop worker | Manual worker |
| Brewing industry – chemist | High earning white collar |
| Brewery – labourer | High risk |
| Brewery – supervisor | Manual worker |
| Bricklayer | High risk |
| Bricklayer’s labourer | High risk |
| Brickworks employee – unskilled | High risk |
| Builder (qualified) | Manual worker |
| Builder’s labourer | High risk |
| Building industry – air conditioning installer | Manual worker |
| Building industry – antenna erector | High risk |
| Building industry – architect | White collar |
| Building industry – backhoe, bobcat, bulldozer others | High risk |
| 3 yrs "}">Building industry – backhoe, bobcat, bulldozer owner, operator est >3 yrs | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – bricklayer | High risk |
| Building industry – bricklayer’s labourer | High risk |
| Building industry – builder’s labourer | High risk |
| Building industry – cabinet maker – qualified | Manual worker |
| Building industry – carpenter – qualified | Manual worker |
| Building industry – ceiling fixer | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – cement renderer | High risk |
| Building industry – concrete cutter | High risk |
| Building industry – concrete worker | High risk |
| Building industry – construction supervisor | Manual worker |
| Building industry – crane operator | High risk |
| Building industry – decorator | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – demolition worker (no explosives) | High risk |
| Building industry – draftsperson (qualified) | White collar |
| Building industry – drainer | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – earthmovers – others | High risk |
| Building industry – earthmovers – owner operator est. 3 yrs | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – electrician | Manual worker |
| Building industry – elevator mechanic | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – foreman, supervisor (no manual work) | Light manual worker |
| Building industry – glazier | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – handyman | High risk |
| Building industry – house stumper | High risk |
| Building industry – joiner – qualified | Manual worker |
| Building industry – labourer | High risk |
| Building industry – lift erector or mechanic | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – painter | Heavy manual worker |
| Building industry – paver | High risk |
| Building industry – plasterer | High risk |
| Building industry – plumber – other | Manual worker |
| Building industry – plumber – roof | High risk |
| Building industry – riggers | High risk |
| Building industry – roof worker-tiler, plumber, repairer | High risk |
| Building industry – steel erector or fixer | High risk |
| Building industry – tiler-floors and walls | High risk |
| Building industry – tiler-roof | High risk |
| Bus driver or conductor – interstate | High risk |
| Bus driver or conductor – local | Heavy manual worker |
| Business executive (degree qualified, earning net min. $100,000) | High earning white collar |
| Butcher – qualified (no slaughtering) | Manual worker |
| Butler | Manual worker |
| Cabinet maker – qualified | Manual worker |
| Cafe – owner or worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Cameraman – aviation | Individual consideration |
| Cameraman – other | Manual worker |
| Cameraman – studio | White collar |
| Cane shop worker | White collar |
| Canvas goods manufacturer | Heavy manual worker |
| Caravan park owner | High risk |
| Card shop worker | White collar |
| Cardiologist | High earning white collar |
| Caretaker | High risk |
| Carnival – owner or employee | Non-insurable |
| Carpenter – qualified | Manual worker |
| Carpenter – not qualified, less than 5 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Carpet layer | High risk |
| Carpet, floor coverings store – sales only | White collar |
| Cartographer | White collar |
| Cashier – financial institution | White collar |
| Cashier – supermarket | Manual worker |
| Casino (government licensed) – senior management, clerical, cashier | White collar |
| Casino (government licensed) – bar staff, security staff | High risk |
| Casino (government licensed) – croupier | Manual worker |
| Casino (government licensed) – waiter | Heavy manual worker |
| Caterer | Manual worker |
| Ceiling fixer | Heavy manual worker |
| Chauffeur | Manual worker |
| Chemist – industrial, non hazardous | High earning white collar |
| Chemist – other | Individual consideration |
| Chemist – pharmacy | White collar |
| Chemist shop – pharmacist, shop assistant | White collar |
| Child or day care centre – not working at home – qualified | White collar |
| Child or day care centre – other | Individual consideration |
| China and glassware shop | White collar |
| Chiropodist | White collar |
| Chiropractor – government registered | White collar |
| Chiropractor – other | Individual consideration |
| Circus worker or performer | Non-insurable |
| Cleaner – brick, street, window – city or industrial | High risk |
| Cleaner – cleaner, office, factory or school – carpet suburban home, window – suburban home only | Heavy manual worker |
| Clergyman | White collar |
| Clerk | White collar |
| Clothing industry – fashion designer (not working at home), management (no manual work), salesperson (no deliveries) | White collar |
| Clothing industry – patternmaker, tailor or dressmaker (shop department store) | Heavy manual worker |
| Clothing industry – process worker or machinist, tailor or dressmaker working at home | High risk |
| Club employees – bar staff, security staff | High risk |
| Club employees – clerical and senior management | White collar |
| Club employees – waiter | Heavy manual worker |
| Coffee lounge | Heavy manual worker |
| Commercial artist | White collar |
| Commercial traveller | White collar |
| Commodity broker | White collar |
| Compositor | White collar |
| Computer industry – analyst, consultant, programmer (degree qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Computer industry - keyboard operator, sales, systems operator/administrator, technician | White collar |
| Computer shop | White collar |
| Concrete worker | High risk |
| Confectionery shop | White collar |
| Cook | Heavy manual worker |
| Conveyancer | White collar |
| Conveyancer (degree qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Coroner | High earning white collar |
| Correctional Officer | High risk |
| Courier – driver – other | High risk |
| Courier – driver-owner establish 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Courier – motorcycle or bicycle | Non-insurable |
| Crane operator | High risk |
| Crayfisherman | Non-insurable |
| Curator (museum, art gallery, library) | White collar |
| Customs agent – clerical | White collar |
| Customs agent (other than clerical) | Light manual worker |
| Customs officer | White collar |
| Customs officer (field work) | Light manual worker |
| Dance instructor | Heavy manual worker |
| Debt collector – not repossessions | Manual worker |
| Debt collector – repossessions | High risk |
| Delicatessen | Manual worker |
| Demolition worker (no explosives) | High risk |
| Dental hygienist or therapist | White collar |
| Dental nurse | White collar |
| Dental or orthodontic technician | White collar |
| Dentist | White collar |
| Department store – cleaner | Heavy manual worker |
| Department store – clerical, sales, senior management | White collar |
| Department store – deliveries, storeman | High risk |
| Dermatologist | High earning white collar |
| Diamond cutter, polisher, setter | Manual worker |
| Die maker | Manual worker |
| Dietician (qualified and registered) | High earning white collar |
| Disposal store – sales | White collar |
| Diving – construction, bridge, dams, dock, pier | Non-insurable |
| Diving – instructor (professional) | Non-insurable |
| Diving – professional deep sea exploration | Non-insurable |
| Diving – professional – abalone | Non-insurable |
| Diving – professional, military (no bomb disposal) or police | Non-insurable |
| Dock worker or stevedore | High risk |
| Doctor | High earning white collar |
| Draftperson – qualified | White collar |
| Drainer | Heavy manual worker |
| Drillers (water and mineral sample, not offshore) | High risk |
| Driver – ambulance | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – armoured car | High risk |
| Driver – bus – local | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – bus – long distance or interstate | High risk |
| Driver – chauffeur | Manual worker |
| Driver – courier – car, van other | High risk |
| Driver – courier – car, van owner established 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – courier – motorcycle or bicycle | Non-insurable |
| Driver – crane driver | High risk |
| Driver – dairy deliveryman or milkman | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – driving instructors | Manual worker |
| Driver – explosive | Non-insurable |
| Driver – forklift | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – garbage collections | High risk |
| Driver – hire car owner or driver | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – logging | High risk |
| Driver – petrol or petroleum products | High risk |
| Driver – removalists | High risk |
| Driver – taxi other | High risk |
| Driver – taxi owner driver establish 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – tow truck | High risk |
| Driver – truck and van – local establish 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Driver – truck and van – local other | High risk |
| Driver – truck and van – long distance or interstate | Non-insurable |
| Dry cleaning | Manual worker |
| Duty free shop worker | White collar |
| Earthmovers – others | High risk |
| Earthmovers – owner operator established 3 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Economist | High earning white collar |
| Editor – films, newspapers (etc) | White collar |
| Electrical goods retailer – delivery | High risk |
| Electrical goods retailer – light manual | Manual worker |
| Electrical goods retailer – sales | White collar |
| Electrician | Manual worker |
| Electronic supply store – sales | White collar |
| Electroplater | Manual worker |
| Elevator mechanic | Heavy manual worker |
| Embalmer | Manual worker |
| Endocrinologist | High earning white collar |
| Engineer (qualified) – offshore or underground inspections | Manual worker |
| Engineer (qualified) – consulting, office duties minimal site work, no manual work | High earning white collar |
| Engraver | Manual worker |
| ENT Surgeon | High earning white collar |
| Entertainer | Non-insurable |
| Equipment and plant hire | Heavy manual worker |
| Estate agent | White collar |
| Explosives worker | Non-insurable |
| Factory hand or worker | High risk |
| Farm employee or labourer | High risk |
| Farm manager | Individual consideration |
| Farm owner (established 2 years) – beef cattle, dairy, grape grower, mixed farming, oyster, poultry, sheep, sugar cane, wheat | Heavy manual worker |
| Farm owner (established 2 years) – fruit grower, orchardist, market gardener | Heavy manual worker |
| Farm owner (established 2 years) – harvesting contractor | Non-insurable |
| Farrier or blacksmith | High risk |
| Fast food or take away | Heavy manual worker |
| Fencing contractor | High risk |
| Fibre glass moulder | Heavy manual worker |
| Film and TV industry – actor or actress | Non-insurable |
| Film and TV industry – cameraman – aviation | Non-insurable |
| Film and TV industry – cameraman – mainly studio | White collar |
| Film and TV industry – cameraman – other | Manual worker |
| Film and TV industry – producer, director, editor | White collar |
| Financial consultant or adviser | White collar |
| Financial planner, adviser, agent (tertiary qualified minimum earnings $100,000 net per annum) | High earning white collar |
| Firemen – airport, city, forestry | High risk |
| Firemen – fire chiefs and senior officers | White collar |
| Firemen – oil and natural gas | Non-insurable |
| Fish and chip shop worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Fisherman | Non-insurable |
| Fishmonger | Heavy manual worker |
| Fitter | Manual worker |
| Floor covering fixer | High risk |
| Floor sander | High risk |
| Florist – delivery | Heavy manual worker |
| Florist – shopkeeper | White collar |
| Foundry | High risk |
| French polisher | Manual worker |
| Fruit grower or orchardist | Heavy manual worker |
| Fruit picker | Non-insurable |
| Funeral director | White collar |
| Furnishings retailer (cushions, fabrics, not furniture) | White collar |
| Furniture removalist | High risk |
| Furniture retailer – new – deliveries | High risk |
| Furniture retailer – new – light manual | Manual worker |
| Furniture retailer – new – sales only | White collar |
| Furniture retailer – used | High risk |
| Furrier | Manual worker |
| Garbage contractor | High risk |
| Garden shop worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Gardener – domestic or landscape other | High risk |
| Gas industry – fitter | Manual worker |
| Gas industry – inspector, meter reader or tester | White collar |
| Gas industry – pipe laying | High risk |
| Gastroenterologist | High earning white collar |
| General surgeon | High earning white collar |
| Geologist – (consultant and office only) | High earning white collar |
| Geologist – mainly field work, including underground or offshore | Manual worker |
| Gift shop worker | White collar |
| Glazier | Heavy manual worker |
| Goldsmith, silversmith | Manual worker |
| Golf instructor (not professional player) | Manual worker |
| Grape grower | Heavy manual worker |
| Graphic designer | White collar |
| Greengrocer | Heavy manual worker |
| Greenkeeper | Heavy manual worker |
| Grocer | Heavy manual worker |
| Gunsmith | Manual worker |
| Gymnasium instructor | Heavy manual worker |
| Gynaecologist, obstetrician | High earning white collar |
| Haberdasher | White collar |
| Hairdresser | Light manual worker |
| Handyman | Heavy manual worker |
| Hardware retailer | Manual worker |
| Health food store worker | White collar |
| Home maintenance contractor | High risk |
| Homemaker | White collar |
| Horse breeder | Heavy manual worker |
| Horse riding – jockey – flat or harness | Non-insurable |
| Horse riding – jockey – steeple or rodeo (professional) | Non-insurable |
| Horse riding instructor | High risk |
| Horse strapper | Non-insurable |
| Horse trainer | Individual consideration |
| Hospital staff – doctor or laboratory technician | White collar |
| Hospital staff – nurse’s aide | Heavy manual worker |
| Hospital staff – nurse or nursing sister | Manual worker |
| Hospital staff – porter or wardsman | Heavy manual worker |
| Hotel or motel industry – bar staff | High risk |
| Hotel or motel industry – head waiters | Manual worker |
| Hotel or motel industry – housekeepers or chambermaids | Heavy manual worker |
| Hotel or motel industry – security staff | High risk |
| Hotel or motel industry – waiters or waitresses | Heavy manual worker |
| Hotel or motel industry – managers – admin only | White collar |
| Hotel or motel industry – managers – other | Manual worker |
| House restumper | High risk |
| Hypnotherapist – well established | White collar |
| Ice cream parlour | Manual worker |
| Importer or exporter – clerical | White collar |
| Inspector (health, buildings etc) | White collar |
| Instrument maker | Manual worker |
| Insulation installer | High risk |
| Insurance consultant | White collar |
| Interior decorator – consulting only | White collar |
| Interior decorator – other | Heavy manual worker |
| Interpreter | White collar |
| Investor | Non-insurable |
| Jackeroo | Non-insurable |
| Janitor | High risk |
| Jeweller – manufacture | Manual worker |
| Jeweller – retail | White collar |
| Jockey – flat or harness | Non-insurable |
| Jockey – steeple | Non-insurable |
| Joiner – other | High risk |
| Joiner – qualified | Manual worker |
| Journalist (no unusual hazards) | White collar |
| Judge, Magistrate | High earning white collar |
| Kennel proprietor | Heavy manual worker |
| Lab technician – non hazardous | White collar |
| Labourer – farm labourers | Non-insurable |
| Labourer – others in regular employment | High risk |
| Landbroker | White collar |
| Landscape architect (degree qualified, no manual work) | High earning white collar |
| Landscape gardener – other | High risk |
| Lawnmower – sales or sales and service | Heavy manual worker |
| Lawnmowing contractor | High risk |
| Lawyer | White collar |
| Lecturer, Professor, Tutor - full time in university | High earning white collar |
| Librarian | White collar |
| Lift erector or mechanic | Heavy manual worker |
| Light fittings store worker | White collar |
| Linesman – telephone or electrical | High risk |
| Liquor store worker | Manual worker |
| Livestock broker, buyer, dealer | Manual worker |
| Locksmith | Manual worker |
| Logging – in mill (permanent mill only) | High risk |
| Logging – mobile mill | Non-insurable |
| Logging – tree feller | Non-insurable |
| Logging – tree surgeon | High risk |
| Loss adjuster | White collar |
| Lumber (yard work) | High risk |
| Machinery or equipment hire | Heavy manual worker |
| Machinist – metal or wood – qualified | Manual worker |
| Machinist – supervisor (no manual work) | Light manual worker |
| Mail contractor | Heavy manual worker |
| Management consultant | White collar |
| Manicurist – not working at home | Manual worker |
| Marina owner | Heavy manual worker |
| Marine engineer (seaman) | Non-insurable |
| Market gardener | Heavy manual worker |
| Martial arts instructor | Heavy manual worker |
| Masseur – other | Non-insurable |
| Masseur – salon only | Heavy manual worker |
| Meat industry – inspector | Light manual worker |
| Meat industry – supervisor (up to 10% manual work) | Light manual worker |
| Meat packer | High risk |
| Mechanic | Manual worker |
| Medical practitioner | White collar |
| Merchant banker (degree qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Merchant marine | Non-insurable |
| Metal dealer (scrap) | High risk |
| Metallurgist (office duties only) | High earning white collar |
| Meteorologist | High earning white collar |
| Meter reader (gas or electricity) | White collar |
| Milk bar | Heavy manual worker |
| Milk vendor | Heavy manual worker |
| Mining – clerical or executive manager | White collar |
| Mining – explosives handler (surface and underground workers) | Non-insurable |
| Mining – surface or underground worker – other (no explosives) | High risk |
| Mining – surface worker – qualified (no explosives) | Rated according to usual occupation |
| Model | Non-insurable |
| Motor cycle – mechanic | Manual worker |
| Motor cycle – salesman | Manual worker |
| Motor vehicle – accessories and spare parts sales | Manual worker |
| Motor vehicle – assembly worker | High risk |
| Motor vehicle – detailer | Heavy manual worker |
| Motor vehicle – mechanic | Manual worker |
| Motor vehicle – salesman | White collar |
| Motor vehicle – trimmer | Manual worker |
| Motor vehicle – wrecker | High risk |
| Moulder | High risk |
| Museum or gallery proprietor | White collar |
| Music teacher – in school, university or college | White collar |
| Musical instrument sales – lifting or deliveries | Heavy manual worker |
| Musical instrument sales – sales only | White collar |
| Musician | Non-insurable |
| Nanny | High risk |
| Naturopath | White collar |
| Neurologist | High earning white collar |
| Neurosurgeon | High earning white collar |
| Newsagent | White collar |
| Newspaper staff – editor, journalist or reporter (no unusual hazards), office worker | White collar |
| Newspaper staff – photographer or printer | Manual worker |
| Nurse – enrolled nurse or nurse’s aide | Heavy manual worker |
| Nurse – intellectual disability | Heavy manual worker |
| Nurse – mothercraft | Heavy manual worker |
| Nurse – registered or nursing sister | Manual worker |
| Nurse – registered | Manual worker |
| Nurseryman | Heavy manual worker |
| Occupational health and safety inspector | White collar |
| Occupational therapist | High earning white collar |
| Office equipment – salesman | White collar |
| Office equipment – serviceman | Manual worker |
| Office supplies or stationer | White collar |
| Office worker | White collar |
| Oil or gas – onshore or offshore worker – other | High risk |
| Oil or gas – onshore or offshore workers – geologists, engineers or lab technician | Rated according to usual occupation |
| Oncologist | High earning white collar |
| Opthalmic surgeon | High earning white collar |
| Ophthalmologist | High earning white collar |
| Optical dispenser or mechanic | White collar |
| Optician, optometrist | High earning white collar |
| Orchardist or fruit grower | Heavy manual worker |
| Orthodontist | High earning white collar |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | High earning white collar |
| Osteopath (well established) | White collar |
| Outdoor supplies retailer (tents, BBQ) | White collar |
| Paediatrician | High earning white collar |
| Paint or wallpaper store | Manual worker |
| Painter | Heavy manual worker |
| Panel beater | Heavy manual worker |
| Park ranger | Heavy manual worker |
| Parking station attendant | Heavy manual worker |
| Parking warden | Heavy manual worker |
| Pastry cook | Manual worker |
| Pathologist | High earning white collar |
| Patternmaker (industrial eg foundry) | Manual worker |
| Paver | High risk |
| Pawnbroker | Manual worker |
| Payroll guard | High risk |
| Periodontist | High earning white collar |
| Personnel consultant | White collar |
| Pest exterminator | Heavy manual worker |
| Pet shop worker | Manual worker |
| Pharmacist | White collar |
| Photoengraver | Manual worker |
| Photographer – aviation | Individual consideration |
| Photographer – mainly studio | White collar |
| Photographer – other | Manual worker |
| Photographic store worker | White collar |
| Physician | White collar |
| Physicist | High earning white collar |
| Physiotherapist | White collar |
| Piano tuner | Manual worker |
| Picture framer | Manual worker |
| Pilot – harbour | Heavy manual worker |
| Plasterer | High risk |
| Plumber – other | Manual worker |
| Plumber – roof | High risk |
| Podiatrist | White collar |
| Police – airwing or bomb disposal | Non-insurable |
| Police – other – officers including motorcycle police or special operations group | Non-insurable |
| Police – special operations group | Non-insurable |
| Police – dog squad | High risk |
| Police – superintendents | White collar |
| Post office – counter clerk or manager | White collar |
| Post office – postman or sorter | Heavy manual worker |
| Potter | Individual consideration |
| Poultry farmer | Heavy manual worker |
| Printer | Manual worker |
| Prison warder | High risk |
| Private investigator | High risk |
| Process worker – clothing industry, hazardous industries (eg munitions, acids) | Non-insurable |
| Produce merchant | Heavy manual worker |
| Professional sportsman | Non-insurable |
| Professor (university) | White collar |
| Psychiatrist | White collar |
| Psychologist | White collar |
| Pulp and paper mill employees (in mill or yard only) | High risk |
| Quantity surveyor | White collar |
| Quarry worker (no explosives) | High risk |
| Radio and television announcer | Non-insurable |
| Radiographer | White collar |
| Radiologist | High earning white collar |
| Railway worker – driver or guard, signalman, station assistant or station master | Heavy manual worker |
| Railway worker – railway police, shunter, track laying or maintenance | High risk |
| Railway worker – labourer | Non-insurable |
| Real estate | White collar |
| Receptionist | White collar |
| Record shop worker | White collar |
| Refrigeration mechanic | Manual worker |
| Rehabilitation consultant (medically qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Removalist | High risk |
| Renal physician | High earning white collar |
| Repairman – office equipment or household appliances | Manual worker |
| Reporter (no unusual hazards) | White collar |
| Restaurant employees – chef | Manual worker |
| Restaurant employees – cook or waiter | Heavy manual worker |
| Restaurant owner – administration only, no cooking or waiting | White collar |
| Restaurant owner – other | Manual worker |
| Rigger | High risk |
| Roof worker – tiler, fixer or repairer | High risk |
| Rubbish collector | High risk |
| Saddlemaker | Heavy manual worker |
| Sailmaker | Heavy manual worker |
| Sales representative, deliveries | Light manual worker |
| Sandblaster | High risk |
| Sawmill worker (permanently located mill only) | High risk |
| Scaffold erector | High risk |
| School principal, Headmaster, Head Teacher | High earning white collar |
| Scrap dealer (metal) | High risk |
| Seaman – navy | Non-insurable |
| Second hand dealer | High risk |
| Secretary | White collar |
| Security guard | High risk |
| Service station – cashier or console operator, mechanic or proprietor | Manual worker |
| Shearer | Non-insurable |
| Sheet metal worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Shipwright | Heavy manual worker |
| Shoe shop (retail sales or not repair) | White collar |
| Shoemaker or repairer | Manual worker |
| Shopfitter | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – adult books and merchandise | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – antique dealer – delivery | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – antique dealer – restoration | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – antique dealer – sales and office | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – aquarium shop | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – artist supplies | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – baby shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – bedding store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – bicycle store | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – boating equipment supply or chandler | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – bookshop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – bootmaker | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – brassware shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – bread or cake shop | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – butcher – no slaughtering | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – butcher – slaughtering | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – cafe | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – cane shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – card shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – carpet, floor coverings store – sales only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – chemist shop – pharmacist | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – chemist shop – shop assistant | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – china and glassware shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – clothing store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – coffee lounge | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – computer shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – confectionery shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – delicatessen | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – department store – cleaner | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – department store – clerical sales only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – department store – deliveries, storeman | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – department store – senior management | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – disposal store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – duty free shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – electrical goods retailer – deliveries | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – electrical goods retailer – light manual | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – electrical goods retailer – sales only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – electronic supply store – sales | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – fast food or take away | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – fish and chip shop | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – florist | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – florist – delivery | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – furnishings retailer (cushions or fabric not furniture) | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – furniture retailer – new – deliveries | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – furniture retailer – new – light manual | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – furniture retailer – new – sales only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – furniture retailer – used | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – garden shop | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – gift shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – greengrocer | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – grocer | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – gunsmith | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – haberdasher White collar | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – hardware retailer | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – health food store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – ice cream parlour | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – jewellery store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – light fittings store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – liquor store | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – locksmith | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – milk bar | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – motor vehicle accessories and spare parts | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – musical instruments – sales only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – musical instruments sales – lifting or deliveries | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – newsagent | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – nursery or garden shop | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – office supplies or stationer | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – outdoor supplies retailer (tents, BBQ) | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – paint or wallpaper store | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – pawnbroker | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – pet shop | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – photographic store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – produce merchant | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – record shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – second hand goods | High risk |
| Shopkeeper – shoe shop (retail sales not repair) | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – shoemaker or repairer | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – sporting goods store | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – stationer | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – supermarket – administration only | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – supermarket – cashier | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – supermarket – other | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – swimming pool supplies | Manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – take away food | Heavy manual worker |
| Shopkeeper – tobacconist | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – toy shop | White collar |
| Shopkeeper – video shop proprietor | White collar |
| Showman | Non-insurable |
| Signwriter | Heavy manual worker |
| Singer | Non-insurable |
| Skiing – professional | Non-insurable |
| Skylight fitter | High risk |
| Social worker | White collar |
| Solicitor | White collar |
| Speech therapist, pathologist | High earning white collar |
| Sporting goods store | White collar |
| Sports person – professional | Non-insurable |
| Spray painter | Heavy manual worker |
| Squash court proprietor | White collar |
| Stationer | White collar |
| Statistician | High earning white collar |
| Steel erector or fixer | High risk |
| Steeplejack | Non-insurable |
| Stevedore | High risk |
| Steward (airline) | Non-insurable |
| Stock and station agent – no manual duties | White collar |
| Stockbroker (degree qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Stockman | Non-insurable |
| Stonemason | Heavy manual worker |
| Storeman | Heavy manual worker |
| Student | Non-insurable |
| Stuntman | Non-insurable |
| Sugar cane farmer owner established 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Supermarket – administration only | White collar |
| Supermarket – cashier | Manual worker |
| Supermarket - manager (manual duties | Light manual worker |
| Supermarket – other | Heavy manual worker |
| Surfboard shaper | High risk |
| Surveyor – field or office only, quantity | White collar |
| Surveyor – marine or mines | Heavy manual worker |
| Swimming instructor | Manual worker |
| Swimming pool builder | Heavy manual worker |
| Swimming pool supplies worker | Manual worker |
| TAB agent | White collar |
| Take away food shop worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Tanner | Heavy manual worker |
| Tax consultant (tertiary qualified) | High earning white collar |
| Taxi – other | High risk |
| Taxi – owner driver established 2 years | Heavy manual worker |
| Taxidermist | Manual worker |
| Teacher’s aide | White collar |
| Teacher (school, university or college) | White collar |
| Telephone technician | Manual worker |
| Telephonist | White collar |
| Tennis coach (not professional player) | Manual worker |
| Theatre or cinema – confectionery seller, manager, ticket seller, usher or projectionist | White collar |
| Tiler – floors and walls | High risk |
| Tiler – roof | High risk |
| Timber merchant | Heavy manual worker |
| Tobacconist | White collar |
| Toolmaker | Manual worker |
| Tour guide | Heavy manual worker |
| Tow truck driver | High risk |
| Town planner | White collar |
| Toy shop worker | White collar |
| Train driver or guard | Heavy manual worker |
| Travel agent or consultant | White collar |
| Tree feller or tree lopper | Non-insurable |
| Tree surgeon | High risk |
| Tugboat crew (not deep sea) | High risk |
| Tupperware salesperson | Individual consideration |
| TV technician | Manual worker |
| Typesetter | White collar |
| Typist | White collar |
| Tyre fitter and repairs | High risk |
| Tyre sales worker | White collar |
| Undertaker | White collar |
| Upholsterer | Manual worker |
| Urologist | High earning white collar |
| Valuer | White collar |
| Vending machine serviceman | Heavy manual worker |
| Veterinary nurse | Manual worker |
| Veterinary surgeon | White collar |
| Video shop proprietor | White collar |
| Vigneron | Heavy manual worker |
| Waiter, waitress (restaurant) | Heavy manual worker |
| Wallpaper hanger | Heavy manual worker |
| Watchmaker | White collar |
| Water proofer | High risk |
| Welder | Manual worker |
| Welfare officer | White collar |
| Wharf labourer | High risk |
| Window cleaner – city or industrial | High risk |
| Window cleaner – suburban home only | Heavy manual worker |
| Window dresser | White collar |
| Window tinter – motor vehicle, home or office | Heavy manual worker |
| Wine merchant – wholesale and retail | Manual worker |
| Wine maker – qualified (no manual labour) | White collar |
| Wine maker – unqualified (no manual labour) | Manual worker |
| Wine maker – other | Heavy manual worker |
| Wool broker or buyer | White collar |
| Wool classer | Manual worker |
| Wrecker or demolisher (no explosives) | High risk |
| X-ray machine operator or technician | White collar |
| Zoo worker | Heavy manual worker |
| Zoologist | High earning white collar |
*The occupations and risk ratings mentioned on this are a general guide and are not indicative of all insurance policies nor do they take into any account of your actual circumstances. Occupations and ratings are based off MLC's occupation ratings guide.
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Types of occupation ratings (classes)
There are a number of categories insurers use to classify employees and employers seeking on-the-job insurance. Although the exact names of ratings and definitions will differ between policies, here’s a general guide of the categories used to rate the risk of your employment. You can also search for your specific occupation below.
| Rating | What does this include? | Risk level | How does this rating impact my policy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-collar | Workers who don’t participate in manual or even light skilled manual duties. An emphasis on mental rather than physical work, with no exposure to physical hazards e.g. office staff or salespeople. | Low | Little to no impact |
| High-earning white-collar | Refers to white-collar workers who earn a high level of income e.g. $100,000 a year. | Low | A larger income may be insured |
| Manual workers | Tradespeople or skilled labourers who work in a manual and physical capacity. | Medium | May have premium loading |
| Heavy manual workers | Employees who work in a (non-hazardous) heavy manual environment. | Medium to high | May have premium loading |
| Light manual workers | Jobs that require minimal light manual work (usually under 20%), often involving direct supervision of manual worker e.g. a project manager on site. | Low to medium | A larger income may be insured |
| High risk | Employees or employers who work in a hazardous environment. | High | Likely to have loading or exclusions |
| Non-insurable | A job that is extremely hazardous. | Very high | You won't be insured |
| Individual consideration | Specific jobs that are not listed by an insurer. | Varies | Further assessment of job required |
Before taking out insurance for your profession or employment, double-check what insurers are likely to cover you for. This is important because stipulations and guidelines vary between insurers. You can do this by speaking with an adviser about what category you would fall into.
How does occupation rating affect my premium?
Your rating which is based on your occupational risk and income has an impact on your premium:
| Income** | Rating | Average monthly premium* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Supervisor | $4,000 | White collar | $92.51 |
| Doctor | $12,000 | High earning white collar | $185.10 |
| Specialist Medical Practitioner | $15,000 | High earning white collar | $220.54 |
| Registered Nurse | $4,000 | Manual worker | $138.34 |
| Machinist (Metal or Wood) | $4,000 | Heavy manual worker | $154.57 |
| Building Industry, Supervisor | $4,000 | Light manual worker | $115.73 |
*Average monthly premium is based on the average premium of all policies available in finder's quote engine for both males and females. Quotes are based on non-smoking 35 year old in NSW. Income levels are for illustrative purposes and not as a definitive guide.
How much income protection can I get?
Most policies cover up to 75% of your monthly income with a specific maximum sum. Generally speaking, a job that isn't considered dangerous by these providers have the following maximums:
| Brand | Maximum monthly cover* | How long can the cover last? |
|---|---|---|
| AIA | Maximum of $60,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| AMP | Maximum of $60,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| ANZ | Maximum of $10,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Asteron | Maximum of $60,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| BT | Maximum of $60,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 80 |
| ClearView | Maximum of $40,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| Comminsure | Maximum of $30,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| MLC | Maximum of $60,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
| NobleOak | $30,000 | Up to 2 years to the age of 65 |
| OnePath | Maximum of $10,000 | Up to 2 years to the age of 70 |
| TAL | Maximum of $10,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Zurich | Maximum of $30,000 | Up to 5 years to the age of 70 |
Why you can trust Finder's income protection insurance experts
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Ask a question
How much does my boss need to pay for insurance
Hi Colleen,
When it comes to workers’ compensation insurance (insurance that compensates you for injuries on the job) that will depend on your industry, what state you reside and other factors.
If talking about group insurance e.g. income protection, total and permanent disability insurance or death cover through your employer you will need to check with them.
I hope this helps,
Maurice