At first the Walser mountain farmers practiced those occupations necessary for life in high altitudes. The lay-handcraft covered their needs and later developed to an independent handcraft as branch of industry. Professions included: wainwright, blacksmith, saddler, shoe maker, carpenter, brick layer, tailor, cooper, shingle maker, grocer, watchmaker, baker, tiler, turner, carrier, construction worker, ranger, basket maker, stove fitter, plasterer, freighter, skilled and unskilled worker for road and gallery constructions, stucco plasterer, worker in electric utilities and cable cars, bridge-builder, chandler, mercenary and forester. Also service provider like teacher, midwife and healer emerged.

Many of these professions could only be practiced in the distance causing many women and children to look after the small farms and fulfil the agricultural tasks while the men would leave home for a few months. Many men, mostly from Großwalsertal found work with the builder guild in the Bregenzerwald.

At the end of the 19^th century when tourism started, the Walser realised their chance and learnt professions relating to the field of tourism. Working as host, chef, mountain guide, ski instructor or personnel in hotels improved the economic situation.