The relationship between the occupational status from 1950-71 of white males residing in the state of Washington & the probability of suicide is examined. The Edwards Scale of Socioeconomic Grouping is used as an indicator of socioeconomic status & the Proportionate Mortality Ratio as an indicator of relative suicidal risk by occupation. 183 occupations were ranked into 8 socioeconomic levels. No relationship was found between socioeconomic status & the suicide rate.