What is the term for a category of jobs that share similar characteristics?

The correct answer is "Occupation," which refers to a category of jobs that share similar characteristics, such as duties, responsibilities, and skill requirements. This term encompasses various roles within the same field where workers typically perform related tasks or engage in similar types of work. For instance, within the occupation of healthcare, you might find the roles of nurses, doctors, and medical assistants, all of which share common elements related to health services.

In comparison, "role" signifies a specific function or position someone holds within that broader category, while "profession" is often associated with advanced knowledge and qualifications usually requiring formal education and licensing. "Industry" refers to a broader classification that includes multiple occupations within a particular economic sector, such as technology or manufacturing, rather than focusing on the specific job characteristics themselves. Understanding these distinctions highlights why "Occupation" specifically fits the definition of a category of jobs with shared characteristics.