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.

Business Operations Specialists

Broad Group: Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
SOC Code: 13-1011 Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
SOC Description
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
SOC Example
Band Manager, Literary Agent, Theatrical Agent
Broad Group: Buyers and Purchasing Agents
SOC Code: 13-1021 Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
SOC Description
Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.
SOC Example
Cotton Broker, Fruit Buyer, Livestock Buyer
Broad Group: Buyers and Purchasing Agents
SOC Code: 13-1023 Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
SOC Description
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts. Excludes ??Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products? (13-1021) and ??Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products? (13-1022).
SOC Example
Equipment, Supplies, and Tools Purchasing Agent; Radio Time Buyer
Broad Group: Buyers and Purchasing Agents
SOC Code: 13-1022 Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
SOC Description
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products. Excludes ??Procurement Clerks? (43-3061).
SOC Example
Gold Buyer, Merchandise Buyer
Broad Group: Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators
SOC Code: 13-1031 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
SOC Description
Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims. Excludes ??Fire Inspectors and Investigators? (33-2021).
SOC Example
Fire Claims Adjuster, Health Insurance Adjuster, Property and Casualty Insurance Claims Examiner
Broad Group: Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators
SOC Code: 13-1032 Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
SOC Description
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
SOC Example
Automobile Damage Appraiser, Vehicle Damage Appraiser
Broad Group: Compliance Officers
SOC Code: 13-1041 Compliance Officers
SOC Description
Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. Excludes ??Financial Examiners" (13-2061), ??Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents? (13-2081), ??Occupational Health and Safety Specialists? (19-5011), ??Occupational Health and Safety Technicians? (19-5012), ??Transportation Security Screeners? (33-9093), ??Agricultural Inspectors? (45-2011), ??Construction and Building Inspectors? (47-4011), and ??Transportation Inspectors? (53-6051).
SOC Example
Transportation Security Screener, Driver's License Examiner, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
Broad Group: Compliance Officers
SOC Code: 13-1041.51 Ocean Rangers
SOC Description
Monitor state and federal requirements for marine discharge and pollution, and insure protection for passengers, crew, and residents at marine ports from improper sanitation, health, and safety practices.
SOC Example
Ocean Rangers
Broad Group: Cost Estimators
SOC Code: 13-1051 Cost Estimators
SOC Description
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
SOC Example
Construction Job Cost Estimator, Crating and Moving Estimator, Production Cost Estimator
Broad Group: Human Resources Workers
SOC Code: 13-1071 Human Resources Specialists
SOC Description
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas. Excludes ??Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists? (13-1141) and ??Training and Development Specialists? (13-1151).
SOC Example
Employment Interviewer, Personnel Recruiter, Placement Assistant
Broad Group: Human Resources Workers
SOC Code: 13-1074 Farm Labor Contractors
SOC Description
Recruit and hire seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers. May transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
SOC Example
Harvesting Contractor
Broad Group: Human Resources Workers
SOC Code: 13-1075 Labor Relations Specialists
SOC Description
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. Excludes equal employment opportunity (EEO) officers, who are included in ??Compliance Officers? (13-1041).
SOC Example
Employee Relations Specialist, Labor Relations Consultant, Union Representative, Industrial Relations Analyst, Industrial Relations Specialist, Labor Relations Consultant, Labor Relations Representative
Broad Group: Logisticians and Project Management Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1081 Logisticians
SOC Description
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources. Excludes ??Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers? (11-3071) and ??Project Management Specialists? (13-1082).
SOC Example
Logistics Analyst, Logistics Planner, Logistics Specialist
Broad Group: Logisticians and Project Management Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1082 Project Management Specialists
SOC Description
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes ??Management Occupations? (11-0000), ??Logisticians? (13-1081), ??Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners? (13-1121), and ??Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks? (43-5061).
Broad Group: Management Analysts
SOC Code: 13-1111 Management Analysts
SOC Description
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. Excludes ??Computer Systems Analysts? (15-1211) and ??Operations Research Analysts? (15-2031).
SOC Example
Business Management Analyst, Business Process Consultant, Industrial Analyst
Broad Group: Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
SOC Code: 13-1121 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
SOC Description
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
SOC Example
Conference Planner, Corporate Meeting Planner, Event and Wedding Planner
Broad Group: Fundraisers
SOC Code: 13-1131 Fundraisers
SOC Description
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization??s work, goals, and financial needs.
SOC Example
Campaign Fundraiser, Donor Relations Officer, Fundraising Officer
Broad Group: Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1141 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
SOC Description
Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.
SOC Example
Employee Benefits Specialist, Job Analyst, Retirement Plan Specialist
Broad Group: Training and Development Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1151 Training and Development Specialists
SOC Description
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness. Excludes ??Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary? (25-1194) and ??Other Teachers and Instructors? (25-3000). Flight instructors are included with ??Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers? (53-2010).
SOC Example
Computer Training Specialist, Corporate Trainer, Workforce Development Specialist
Broad Group: Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1161 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
SOC Description
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. Excludes ??Web and Digital Interface Designers? (15-1255), ??Art Directors? (27-1011), ??Graphic Designers? (27-1024), and ??Public Relations Specialists? (27-3031).
SOC Example
Market Research Specialist, Marketing Consultant, Marketing Forecaster
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Business Operations Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1199 Business Operations Specialists, All Other
SOC Description
All business operations specialists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Mystery Shopper, Ship Purser
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Business Operations Specialists
SOC Code: 13-1199.51 Board Members and Trustees, and Shareholders
SOC Description
An individual person or member of a board given control or powers of administration but not involved in daily operations. Shareholders of companies that purchased their board membership, may or may not be voted in.

Financial Specialists

Broad Group: Accountants and Auditors
SOC Code: 13-2011 Accountants and Auditors
SOC Description
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. Excludes ??Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents? (13-2081).
SOC Example
Certified Public Accountant, Field Auditor, Internal Auditor
Broad Group: Property Appraisers and Assessors
SOC Code: 13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
SOC Description
Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. Includes workers who appraise both personal and business property as well as real estate. May also appraise land. Excludes ??Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators? (13-1031), ??Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage? (13-1032), ??Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate? (13-2023), and ??Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents? (13-2081).
Broad Group: Property Appraisers and Assessors
SOC Code: 13-2023 Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
SOC Description
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules. Excludes ??Appraisers of Personal and Business Property? (13-2022).
SOC Example
Land Appraiser, Property Appraiser, Tax Assessor
Broad Group: Budget Analysts
SOC Code: 13-2031 Budget Analysts
SOC Description
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports. Excludes ??Financial and Investment Analysts? (13-2051).
SOC Example
Budget Examiner, Budget Officer, Cost Analyst, Quality Controller
Broad Group: Credit Analysts
SOC Code: 13-2041 Credit Analysts
SOC Description
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking. Excludes ??Financial Risk Specialists? (13-2054).
SOC Example
Credit Assessment Analyst, Credit Risk Analyst
Broad Group: Financial Analysts and Advisors
SOC Code: 13-2052 Personal Financial Advisors
SOC Description
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients. Excludes ??Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents? (41-3031).
SOC Example
Estate Planner, Individual Pension Advisor, Personal Investment Advisor
Broad Group: Financial Analysts and Advisors
SOC Code: 13-2054 Financial Risk Specialists
SOC Description
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk. Excludes ??Credit Analysts? (13-2041).
Broad Group: Financial Analysts and Advisors
SOC Code: 13-2053 Insurance Underwriters
SOC Description
Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.
SOC Example
Automobile and Property Underwriter, Bond Underwriter, Insurance Analyst
Broad Group: Financial Analysts and Advisors
SOC Code: 13-2051 Financial and Investment Analysts
SOC Description
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses. Excludes ??Budget Analysts? (13-2031), ??Financial Risk Specialists? (13-2054), and ??Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents? (41-3031).
SOC Example
Corporate Financial Analyst, Corporate Securities Research Analyst, Institutional Commodity Analyst
Broad Group: Financial Examiners
SOC Code: 13-2061 Financial Examiners
SOC Description
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
SOC Example
Bank Examiner, Financial Compliance Examiner, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Specialist
Broad Group: Credit Counselors and Loan Officers
SOC Code: 13-2071 Credit Counselors
SOC Description
Advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. May provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explain loan requirements or restrictions. May help develop debt management plans or student financial aid packages. May advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, bankruptcy, or student financial aid counseling.
SOC Example
Debt Management Counselor, Financial Assistance Advisor, Loan Counselor
Broad Group: Credit Counselors and Loan Officers
SOC Code: 13-2072 Loan Officers
SOC Description
Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.
SOC Example
Loan Reviewer, Escrow Officer, Mortgage Consultant, Commercial Lender, Real Estate Loan Officer
Broad Group: Tax Examiners, Collectors and Preparers, and Revenue Agents
SOC Code: 13-2081 Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
SOC Description
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
SOC Example
Internal Revenue Service Agent, Revenue Collector, Tax Investigator
Broad Group: Tax Examiners, Collectors and Preparers, and Revenue Agents
SOC Code: 13-2082 Tax Preparers
SOC Description
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Excludes ??Accountants and Auditors? (13-2011).
SOC Example
Income Tax Advisor, Income Tax Preparer, License Tax Consultant
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Financial Specialists
SOC Code: 13-2099 Financial Specialists, All Other
SOC Description
All financial specialists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Bail Bondsman, Executor of Estate, Foreign Exchange Trader