On the surface, it seems like the jobs in Octopath Traveler are pretty straightforward. Eight different characters each have their own unique job with their own uses in battle. Later on in the game, the ability to add a second class to each character opens up, allowing each character to combine their primary job with one of the other character's primary jobs. There are even four secret jobs to unlock, each more powerful than the initial eight.
Of course, it is not as easy as just ranking each of the jobs in a standard tier list. Octopath Traveler's system is a bit more sophisticated than that, with every job having a place in the overall grand scheme. It ends up boiling down to which characters with which job combinations are the most effective toward the game's end, allowing players the most power and flexibility to survive Octopath Traveler's slightly more difficult skill curve.
S-Tier Combinations
Tressa (Merchant/Runeblade) - Tressa starts as a great choice when players start their journey in Octopath Traveler. Throughout the game, her Merchant job comes in handy and never really outlives its use. Once players unlock the Runelord class by completing the Shrine of the Runeblade, Tressa becomes an unstoppable powerhouse. Her ability to Sidestep the whole party and double boost the Wind element makes her defense and offense capabilities almost solo-worthy.
H'aanit (Hunter/Warmaster) - H'aanit is not a very subtle character but has a bit more depth than Octopath Traveler's other physical powerhouse, Olberic. Throughout the game, her ability to capture and use monsters in battle can help but later becomes godlike in the endgame. Capturing Caits, the Devourer of Dreams, and Dreadwolves allow her to drop tactical nukes in battle, dealing tons of damage that no other character is capable of doing. Combining her Hunter job with Warmaster makes it easier to capture such hard monsters with solid buffs. The extra experience gained from battle does not hurt either.
A-Tier Combinations
Therion (Thief/Sorcerer) - With an insanely high speed and the ability to double boost Fire, Therion is an insane Sorcerer that can take out most enemies before they have a turn to act. With his Steal SP skill, he will never be hurting for fuel for the spells he slings. He may not be the most likable character in Octopath Traveler, but he sure is useful for farming battles and breaking bosses.
Alfyn (Apothecary/Starseer) - The Apothecary job allows Alfyn to heal just as well, if not better than the Priest job, since it consumes no MP. The ability to dole out BP to the rest of the party makes a player's entire party ready to do some serious work in combat. Combined with Starseer, Alfyn becomes the best support in Octopath Traveler. BP Eater alone is worth equipping the secret job to him.
B-Tier Combinations
Ophilia (Priest/Starseer or Dancer) - Ophilia, while not as effective as Alfyn, is a bit easier to use and does not have to worry about ingredients to use for her main ability. Combining her with Starseer or Dancer makes her a handy ally that is easy to play while still providing enough support for Octopath Traveler's endgame.
C-Tier Combinations
Olberic (Warrior/Warmaster) - Anything Olberic can do, H'aanit can do better. That is just the unfortunate truth of things. He is a great physical character, but since players can only assign each secret job to one character at a time, it makes the most sense to give Warmaster to H'aanit, leaving Olberic in the dust.
Primrose (Dancer/Sorcerer or Scholar) - Primrose is a great Sorcerer but pales compared to Therion with the secret job. Her speed and Elemental Edge also make her a great Scholar, but there really is no point since there are so many other characters better suited to a final party composition than her.
D-Tier Combinations
Cyrus (Scholar/Whatever) - Cyrus is the best character to start Octopath Traveler with. Unfortunately, the Sorcerer job outclasses the Scholar job in every way, and it makes no sense to combine the two jobs since it offers no benefit to do so. It's better to give Sorcerer to Therion and reap the rewards of the Thief/Sorcerer combo. Once that happens, Cyrus's use goes from top-tier to D-tier.
Octopath Traveler is available now on PC, Stadia, Switch, and Xbox One.