To investigate occupational determinants of bladder cancer in the urban area of Shanghai, occupation and industry information for 1,219 incident bladder cancer cases diagnosed during the period 1980 to 1984 were compared with 1982 census data on employment. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for bladder cancer were estimated for occupation and industry classifications. Significant excess risks were observed for plastic products workers (male: SIR = 432; female: SIR = 368); textile bleachers, dyers, and finishers (male: SIR = 169); metal refining and processing workers (male: SIR = 139; female: SIR = 197); petroleum refining workers (male: SIR = 2152); railway engine drivers and firemen (male: SIR = 683); and workers employed in industries of apparel and other textile products manufacturing (female: SIR = 204); paper processing (male: SIR = 146; female: SIR = 226); organic chemical manufacturing (male: SIR = 186); plastic product manufacturing (male: SIR = 218; female: SIR = 272); and metallurgy (male: SIR = 107; female: SIR = 561). This study indicates that many of the industries and occupations that are responsible for increased risk throughout the world are also associated with occupational bladder cancer in Shanghai.