The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code system is the primary federal method for categorizing workers and jobs across the United States. Indiana adopts this standardized framework to ensure consistency in its workforce and economic reporting. This six-digit numerical code allows the state to collect and analyze occupational data for administrative and planning functions. Understanding the Indiana SOC code is necessary for employers reporting wage data and for individuals seeking to understand how their profession fits into the broader labor market.
Understanding the Standard Occupational Classification System
The Standard Occupational Classification system is a uniform structure used by federal statistical agencies, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), to organize all occupations in the national economy. The system’s main purpose is to enable the comparison of occupational data across different government programs and datasets, providing a common language for the labor market.
The current federal standard is the 2018 SOC system, which organizes over 860 detailed occupations based on the work performed and the skills required. This structure ensures that data collected by federal entities are directly comparable. The system classifies jobs based on their duties, not the industry in which they are performed, allowing for clear analysis of occupational trends regardless of the employing sector.
Why Indiana Utilizes SOC Codes
Indiana integrates the federal SOC system into its state reporting to maintain data reliability and comparability with national benchmarks. This adoption provides the reliable workforce data necessary to inform state-level economic and labor policy decisions. By employing the standard federal codes, Indiana can accurately track its occupational makeup and compare its employment trends against those of other states and the nation.
The standardization ensures that occupational data collected within Indiana is consistent and reliable for internal analysis. This unified approach provides state analysts with a clear picture of workforce supply and demand. Utilizing the SOC framework allows the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to fulfill its requirements for collecting and disseminating accurate labor market information.
Structure and Hierarchy of SOC Codes
The Standard Occupational Classification is organized into a hierarchical structure represented by a six-digit code that becomes progressively more specific. The system begins with 23 overarching Major Groups, with the first two digits identifying this broadest category. For example, the code ’15-0000′ represents all Computer and Mathematical Occupations.
The six-digit code breaks into four distinct levels of aggregation. The third digit indicates the Minor Group, which is a subdivision of the Major Group. The fourth and fifth digits represent the Broad Occupation, grouping similar jobs. Finally, the full six digits define the Detailed Occupation, which is the most granular classification level for a job. For instance, the code 15-1252, identifying Software Developers, is derived from the Major Group (15) and narrows down to the specific detailed occupation.
Primary Applications of SOC Codes in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) uses SOC codes for several state-specific functions that manage and analyze the labor market. One application is the administration of the state’s unemployment insurance program, where employers report SOC codes on quarterly wage submissions. This data collection is integral to the state’s Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI).
The DWD also uses the codes to conduct the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) survey, which provides detailed wage and employment estimates for over 800 occupations across the state. This data is used to generate long-term occupational demand forecasts, identifying which jobs are expected to grow or decline over the next decade. Furthermore, Indiana’s educational and training programs utilize SOC data to align curriculum offerings with labor market needs, ensuring training efforts produce graduates with the skills required by Indiana employers.
How to Locate Your Specific Indiana SOC Code
Locating the correct Standard Occupational Classification code requires focusing on the actual tasks and duties performed, rather than just the job title, which can vary widely between companies. The primary resource for finding this classification is the Indiana DWD’s Labor Market Information (LMI) portal, accessible through the “Hoosiers by the Numbers” website. This site offers an interactive tool known as the OccuCoder, which allows users to search by job title and receive a corresponding SOC code.
When using the OccuCoder, searching with various titles or synonyms can help narrow down the most appropriate code. The system returns a list of potential matches, and the user must review the definitions and associated tasks to select the six-digit code that best fits the job’s responsibilities. If the exact job is not found, select the code that represents the highest skill level required or the occupation in which the most time is spent. For employers reporting to Indiana, the DWD requires the full six digits of the code for quarterly wage and new hire reporting consistency.