Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)

Includes Alaska specific codes

The drop-down menu of major occupation groupings below provides detailed descriptions of the Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) codes as well as examples of occupations usually given the code.

SOC is a national government system that allows agencies to collect and analyze occupational data. It allows agencies to produce various reports such as the Nonresidents report and help determine whether education programs may lead to certain occupations.

The SOC code is the six-digit code that best describes the activities of the employee. In some cases, the six-digit code has been expanded to identify occupations important to the state. For instance, seafood processing workers are coded as 51-3022.05.

The code is based on the work actually performed--not the code for jobs for which employees might be trained. For example, an employee trained as a Computer Scientist, but working primarily as a Manager, should be coded as a Manager.

An occupation that combines two different activities is reported with the code for the activity that requires the highest skill or educational level. If these levels are the same, then the code for the occupation in which the employee spends the most time is used. Employees who changed jobs during a quarter are reported in their last occupation.

Top Executives

Broad Group: Chief Executives
SOC Code: 11-1011 Chief Executives
SOC Description
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
SOC Example
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Healthcare-specific
Broad Group: General and Operations Managers
SOC Code: 11-1021.51 Chief Executives of Small Businesses, Small Business Owners, and Managers
SOC Description
Owners of small business with usually less than 30 workers, or managers performing the same range of duties. Oversee and manage the overall function of the business. May be an Executive Director and report to a board.
SOC Example
General Manager, Executive Officer
Broad Group: General and Operations Managers
SOC Code: 11-1021 General and Operations Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
SOC Example
Operations Managers and Officers, Healthcare-specific
Broad Group: Legislators
SOC Code: 11-1031 Legislators
SOC Description
Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
SOC Example
City Council Member, Senator, Tribal Council member

Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers

Broad Group: Advertising and Promotions Managers
SOC Code: 11-2011 Advertising and Promotions Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
SOC Example
Advertising Director, Advertising Executive, Promotions Director
Broad Group: Marketing and Sales Managers
SOC Code: 11-2021 Marketing Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm??s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm??s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
SOC Example
Internet Marketing Manager, Marketing Administrator, Marketing Director
Broad Group: Marketing and Sales Managers
SOC Code: 11-2022 Sales Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
SOC Example
District Sales Manager, Export Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Sales Director
Broad Group: Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
SOC Code: 11-2032 Public Relations Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Broad Group: Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
SOC Code: 11-2033 Fundraising Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Operations Specialties Managers

Broad Group: Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
SOC Code: 11-3013 Facilities Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization??s campus. Excludes ??Administrative Services Managers? (11-3012), ??Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers? (11-9141), ??First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers? (37-1010), ??First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics and Repairers? (49-1011), and ??Maintenance and Repair Workers, General? (49-9071).
Broad Group: Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
SOC Code: 11-3012 Administrative Services Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services. Medical records administrators are included in ??Medical and Health Services Managers? (11-9111). Excludes ??Facilities Managers? (11-3013) and ??Purchasing Managers? (11-3061).
Broad Group: Computer and Information Systems Managers
SOC Code: 11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Excludes ??Computer Occupations? (15-1211 through 15-1299).
SOC Example
Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology Systems Director, Management Information Systems Director
Broad Group: Financial Managers
SOC Code: 11-3031 Financial Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment. Excludes ??Financial Risk Specialists? (13-2054).
SOC Example
Comptroller, Financial Director
Broad Group: Industrial Production Managers
SOC Code: 11-3051 Industrial Production Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
SOC Example
Manufacturing Director, Plant Manager, Production Control Manager
Broad Group: Purchasing Managers
SOC Code: 11-3061 Purchasing Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
SOC Example
Contracting Manager, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Director
Broad Group: Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
SOC Code: 11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
SOC Example
Distribution Center Manager, Traffic Safety Administrator, Warehouse Manager
Broad Group: Compensation and Benefits Managers
SOC Code: 11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization. Job analysis and position description managers are included in ??Human Resources Managers? (11-3121).
SOC Example
Compensation Director, Employee Benefits Director, Wage and Salary Administrator
Broad Group: Human Resources Managers
SOC Code: 11-3121 Human Resources Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization. Excludes managers who primarily focus on compensation and benefits (11-3111) and training and development (11-3131).
SOC Example
Job Analysis Manager, Labor Relations Director, Personnel Manager, Position Description Manager
Broad Group: Training and Development Managers
SOC Code: 11-3131 Training and Development Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
SOC Example
E-Learning Manager, Employee Development Director, Labor Training Manager

Other Management Occupations

Broad Group: Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
SOC Code: 11-9013 Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities. Excludes ??First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers? (45-1011).
SOC Example
Animal Husbandry Manager, Dairy Farm Manager, Fish Hatchery Manager, Orchard Manager
Broad Group: Construction Managers
SOC Code: 11-9021 Construction Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
SOC Example
Contraction Coordinator, Construction Superintendent, General Contractor
Broad Group: Education and Childcare Administrators
SOC Code: 11-9033 Education Administrators, Postsecondary
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
SOC Example
Provost, University Administrator
Broad Group: Education and Childcare Administrators
SOC Code: 11-9031 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care. Excludes ??Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education? (25-2011) and ??Childcare Workers? (39-9011).
SOC Example
Director of Child Care Center, Head Start Director, Preschool Director
Broad Group: Education and Childcare Administrators
SOC Code: 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
SOC Example
Elementary School Principal, High School Principal, Middle School Principal
Broad Group: Education and Childcare Administrators
SOC Code: 11-9039 Education Administrators, All Other
SOC Description
All education administrators not listed separately.
SOC Example
Administrator of Special Education, Director of Extension Work, Director of Vocational Training, Health Education Director
Broad Group: Architectural and Engineering Managers
SOC Code: 11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. Excludes ??Natural Sciences Managers? (11-9121).
SOC Example
Engineering Design Manager, Global Engineering Manager, Mechanical Engineering Director
Broad Group: Food Service Managers
SOC Code: 11-9051.51 Bar and Food Service Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and/or beverages. Will usually have employees that supervise the servers, bartenders etc.
SOC Example
Food Service Manager, Bar Manager
Broad Group: Food Service Managers
SOC Code: 11-9051 Food Service Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages. Excludes ??Chefs and Head Cooks? (35-1011).
SOC Example
Banquet Director, Food Service Director, Tavern Operator
Broad Group: Entertainment and Recreation Managers
SOC Code: 11-9071 Gambling Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.
SOC Example
Casino Manager, Slot Operations Director, Table Games Manager
Broad Group: Entertainment and Recreation Managers
SOC Code: 11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
Broad Group: Lodging Managers
SOC Code: 11-9081 Lodging Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations. Excludes ??Food Service Managers? (11-9051) in lodging establishments.
SOC Example
Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper, Hotel Manager, Innkeeper
Broad Group: Medical and Health Services Managers
SOC Code: 11-9111 Medical and Health Services Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
SOC Example
Chief Nurse Executive, Nurse Executive, Director of Nursing (DON), Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Behavioral Health Manager, Behavioral Health Supervisor, Mental Health Director, Clinic Director, Counselor/Clinical Supervisor, CDC-Supervisor, Director of Be
Broad Group: Natural Sciences Managers
SOC Code: 11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Excludes ??Computer and Information Systems Managers? (11-3021) and ??Architecture and Engineering Managers? (11-9041).
SOC Example
Agricultural Research Director, Geophysical Manager, Ocean Program Administrator
Broad Group: Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
SOC Code: 11-9131 Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.
SOC Example
Postal Supervisor, Postmaster
Broad Group: Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
SOC Code: 11-9141 Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
SOC Example
Apartment Manager, Building Rental Manager, Leasing Property Manager
Broad Group: Social and Community Service Managers
SOC Code: 11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization??s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
SOC Example
Program Manager, Director, Project Manager, Program Coordinator, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Services Manager, Healthcare Social and Community Services Manager
Broad Group: Emergency Management Directors
SOC Code: 11-9161 Emergency Management Directors
SOC Description
Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
SOC Example
Disaster Response Director, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, public Safety Director
Broad Group: Personal Service Managers
SOC Code: 11-9171 Funeral Home Managers
SOC Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. Includes activities such as determining prices for services or merchandise and managing the facilities of funeral homes. Excludes ??Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers? (39-4031).
Broad Group: Personal Service Managers
SOC Code: 11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other
SOC Description
All personal service managers not listed separately. Excludes ??Financial Specialists? (13-2000). Daycare Managers are included in Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare (11-9031).
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Managers
SOC Code: 11-9199 Managers, All Other
SOC Description
All managers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Clerk of Court, Social Science Manager, Utilities Manager
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Managers
SOC Code: 11-9199.51 City Clerks
SOC Description
Perform a wide range of duties supporting the city government such as developing programs and procedures implementing the policy of a city council, coordinating city elections, serving as official record keeper for the city, overseeing the posting of public notices and meetings, maintaining and updating municipal codes, responding to requests for information, and maintaining fiscal records and accounts.