Insurance occupation categories

Occupations are categorised into broad groupings for insurance purposes.

The occupation category you’re in will determine the insurance premiums you pay, alongside:

  • Your age
  • Whether male or female rates apply
  • The type and amount of cover
  • Your Waiting Period for Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI)

How you're assigned an occupation category

Generally, when you're provided with insurance cover, your occupation category is determined according to the information provided by your employer, or from you yourself. If your cover is created due to the receipt of a Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contribution from your non-government employer, we will use the occupation details we already hold for you. Alternatively, if we do not hold any occupation details, you will by default be considered as part of the Blue / Heavy Blue Collar category.

For that reason, it’s important you notify us if your occupation details are incorrect, or if your occupation category changes at any time.

This will make sure you have the correct cover and are being charged the correct premium.

The five insurance categories

There are five categories based on occupation. You may have been assigned one of four categories when insurance was first provided. The fifth category is available to opt-in if you meet eligibility criteria.

White Collar

Your occupation is office based with no manual work.

For example, accounting clerks, office managers, physiotherapists, counsellors and secondary school teachers.

Light Blue Collar

Your occupation is primarily non-manual but may involve light manual duties.

For example, dental assistants, registered and qualified childcare workers and qualified cooks.

Blue / Heavy Blue Collar

Your occupation involves a moderate to high degree of manual duties or is a recognised qualified trade.

For example, electricians, commercial cleaners and registered nurses.

Hazardous

Your occupation involves hazardous chemicals or work environments, or has a high accident or health risk.

For example, police officers, fire fighters and prison officers.

Opt-in category

Professional and Executive

This is an opt-in category that you can apply to join once you determine you meet the specific criteria.

Find out if you're eligible to apply

Couple with laptop at table (Man with blue collared shirt)

Check and change your occupation category

You can view your current occupation category in Member Online via the 'Insurance' tab.

To make changes, select 'Change your insurance'.

Once we have assessed your request to change your category, we'll let you know if it's been approved.

Go to Member Online

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Page last updated 01 July 2025

Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 06 June 2026.