The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is the federal government’s system for categorizing all jobs in the U.S. economy. This standardized classification provides a common language for collecting, processing, and presenting occupational data across various government agencies and statistical programs. By assigning a specific code to every type of work, the SOC allows for consistent analysis and comparison of labor market trends and occupational information.
Defining the Standard Occupational Classification System
The U.S. government established the SOC to create a unified framework for occupational data collection. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) manages this system and mandates its use across all federal statistical agencies, ensuring data comparability. The system covers every occupation in the national economy, including those in the public, private, and military sectors, provided the work is performed for pay or profit.
Standardization was necessary because different government surveys historically used unique job classifications, making it impossible to compare employment data accurately. The SOC resolves this by serving as the single reference point for occupation-based statistics. Federal agencies like the Census Bureau or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) rely on the SOC to ensure published occupational data is consistent and reliably comparable across different time periods and reports.
The Hierarchical Structure of SOC Codes
The SOC system organizes occupations into a detailed, four-level hierarchy using a six-digit code. This structure allows users to examine occupational data at varying levels of aggregation, moving from broad categories down to specific job descriptions. The first two digits identify the Major Group, which represents the broadest category of work, such as “Management Occupations” or “Computer and Mathematical Occupations.”
The third digit refines the classification into a Minor Group, while the fourth and fifth digits denote the Broad Occupation. The final, sixth digit specifies the Detailed Occupation, the most granular level, which is assigned a unique definition based on the tasks and activities performed. For example, the code 17-1011 starts with 17 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations (Major Group), narrows to a Minor Group, and ultimately identifies “Architects, Except Landscape and Naval” as the Detailed Occupation.
This hierarchical organization includes 23 Major Groups, 98 Minor Groups, 459 Broad Occupations, and 867 distinct Detailed Occupations in the most recent version. The six-digit code functions like a decimal classification system, where each successive digit narrows the scope of the occupation. A code ending in zeros, such as 17-0000, refers to the entire Major Group, while a code with no zeros in the last four digits refers to the most specific detailed occupation.
Primary Uses of SOC Codes in the United States
SOC codes serve as the foundation for numerous statistical programs and labor-related applications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) utilizes these codes to conduct the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the primary source for calculating average wages and employment levels nationwide. This wage data is used by employers for compensation benchmarking and by policy makers for labor market projections.
The system is also central to the Occupational Information Network (ONET), a comprehensive database of job characteristics. ONET relies on the SOC structure to organize and present detailed occupational descriptions, required skills, and work activities. Beyond statistical reporting, SOC codes are employed in specific administrative contexts, such as state-level unemployment insurance reporting requirements in Louisiana and Washington.
For federal contractors, the codes are a component of compliance for affirmative action programs; the Census EEO Tabulation uses SOC-based data to assess worker availability. The Department of Labor’s process for labor certifications, necessary for some employment-based immigration and visa applications, relies on the SOC to define and evaluate the job being offered. The consistent use of the codes ensures that data collected for one purpose can be effectively used and compared for another.
How to Find Your Specific SOC Code
Locating the correct SOC code requires focusing on the actual job duties and responsibilities rather than relying solely on a job title, which can be inconsistent across employers. Official resources, such as the BLS SOC search tool or the ONET OnLine database, are the recommended starting points. These resources allow searching by keywords, title, or browsing the hierarchical structure.
The most effective strategy involves starting at the Major Group level and progressively navigating through the Minor and Broad occupations to find the best match at the Detailed Occupation level. Users should carefully review the definition and list of associated job duties provided for the final six-digit code to ensure it accurately represents the work being performed. Since many job titles may exist for a single detailed occupation, accuracy depends on matching the core tasks, not just the job title. This meticulous approach is important for official forms or applications that require the code, such as those related to government surveys or visa processes.
Understanding How SOC Codes Evolve
The SOC classification system is not permanent and must adapt to the changing nature of the American labor market. To account for technological advancements and the emergence of new types of work, the system undergoes a comprehensive review and revision process. This process is typically conducted on a decennial cycle, meaning updates are planned approximately every ten years, often aligning with the decennial Census.
The Office of Management and Budget, with input from the SOC Policy Committee, directs this revision to ensure the codes remain relevant and statistically robust. The most recent revision was completed in 2018, and the process for the 2028 revision is currently underway. These updates involve soliciting public comment to determine if new occupations should be added or if existing ones need to be consolidated or redefined to reflect current job market realities.