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.

Life Scientists

Broad Group: Agricultural and Food Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1012 Food Scientists and Technologists
SOC Description
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
SOC Example
Dairy Bacteriologist, Enologist, Food Safety Scientist
Broad Group: Agricultural and Food Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1011 Animal Scientists
SOC Description
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
SOC Example
Animal Nutritionist, Dairy Scientist, Poultry Scientist
Broad Group: Agricultural and Food Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1013 Soil and Plant Scientists
SOC Description
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
SOC Example
Arboreal Scientist, Horticulturist, Plant Physiologist
Broad Group: Biological Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1021 Biochemists and Biophysicists
SOC Description
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
SOC Example
Biological Chemist, Clinical Biochemist, Physical Biochemist
Broad Group: Biological Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1022 Microbiologists
SOC Description
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
SOC Example
Medical Microbiologist, Microbiologist
Broad Group: Biological Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1023 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
SOC Description
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
SOC Example
Herpetologist, Ichthyologist, Marine Biologist, Ornithologist
Broad Group: Biological Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1023.51 Protected Species Observers
SOC Description
Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are professionals who provide environmental consulting services dealing with regulatory compliance for a wide range of industries (Geophysical, Dredging, Construction, Telecommunications, Research, etc.). PSOs are involved in a wide range of monitoring activities such as standard visual monitoring, passive and active acoustic monitoring, aerial surveys, dirigible and ROV surveys among others. Duties and responsibilities are fairly similar across-the-board for all Observers. Much work is recording data; following technical instructions; recording and observing marine mammals and other endangered species such as polar bears, eagles etc.; following protocols; and ensuring no harm or harassment towards marine mammals occurs.
SOC Example
Marine Mammal Observers [MMO], Marine Mammal & Seabird Observers [MMSO], Endangered Species Observers [ESO], Dredge Observers, Marine Fauna Observers [MFO], Monitors
Broad Group: Biological Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other
SOC Description
All biological scientists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Embryologist, Osteologist, Paleobotanist
Broad Group: Conservation Scientists and Foresters
SOC Code: 19-1031 Conservation Scientists
SOC Description
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering. Excludes ??Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists? (19-1023) and ??Foresters? (19-1032).
SOC Example
Grassland Conservationist, Range Ecologist, Soil Conservationist
Broad Group: Conservation Scientists and Foresters
SOC Code: 19-1032 Foresters
SOC Description
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber??s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
SOC Example
Environmental Protection Forester, Forest Ecologist, Timber Management Specialist
Broad Group: Medical Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1041 Epidemiologists
SOC Description
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
SOC Example
Epidemiology Investigator, Malariologist, Pharmacoepidemiologist
Broad Group: Medical Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
SOC Description
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research. Practitioners who primarily provide medical or dental care or dispense drugs are included in ??Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners? (29-1000).
SOC Example
Cancer Researcher, Immunochemist, Toxicologist
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Life Scientists
SOC Code: 19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other
SOC Description
All life scientists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Life Science Taxonomist

Physical Scientists

Broad Group: Astronomers and Physicists
SOC Code: 19-2012 Physicists
SOC Description
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Excludes ??Biochemists and Biophysicists? (19-1021).
SOC Example
Fluid Dynamicist, Molecular Physicist, Optical Scientist, Rheologist
Broad Group: Astronomers and Physicists
SOC Code: 19-2011 Astronomers
SOC Description
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
SOC Example
Astrophysicist
Broad Group: Atmospheric and Space Scientists
SOC Code: 19-2021 Atmospheric and Space Scientists
SOC Description
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
SOC Example
Atmospheric Chemist, Climatologist, Hurricane Tracker, Meteorologist
Broad Group: Chemists and Materials Scientists
SOC Code: 19-2031 Chemists
SOC Description
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. Excludes ??Biochemists and Biophysicists? (19-1021) and ??Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers? (19-2042).
SOC Example
Food Chemist, Industrial Chemist, Inorganic Chemist, Research and Development Chemist
Broad Group: Chemists and Materials Scientists
SOC Code: 19-2032 Materials Scientists
SOC Description
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
SOC Example
Metal Alloy Scientist, Plastics Scientist
Broad Group: Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists
SOC Code: 19-2041 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
SOC Description
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Excludes ??Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists? (19-1023), ??Conservation Scientists? (19-1031), ??Forest and Conservation Technicians? (19-4071), ??Occupational Health and Safety Specialists? (19-5011), ??Fish and Game Wardens? (33-3031), and ??Forest and Conservation Workers? (45-4011).
SOC Example
Environmental Analyst, Water Pollution Specialist, Hazardous Substances Scientist, Health Environmentalist, Water Pollution Scientist
Broad Group: Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists
SOC Code: 19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
SOC Description
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth??s internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
SOC Example
Oceanographer, Paleontologist, Seismologist, Geochemist, Volcanologist
Broad Group: Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists
SOC Code: 19-2043 Hydrologists
SOC Description
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
SOC Example
Hydrogeologist, Hydrologists, Isotope Hydrologist, Surface Hydrologist
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Physical Scientists
SOC Code: 19-2099 Physical Scientists, All Other
SOC Description
All physical scientists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Inventor; Research Scientist, Except Medical and Social Sciences; Scientist/N.S. Associate Degree or Higher

Social Scientists and Related Workers

Broad Group: Economists
SOC Code: 19-3011 Economists
SOC Description
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods. Excludes ??Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists? (13-1161).
SOC Example
Econometrician, Economic Research Analyst, Enviromental Economist, Industrial Economist
Broad Group: Survey Researchers
SOC Code: 19-3022 Survey Researchers
SOC Description
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams. Excludes ??Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists? (13-1161) and ??Statisticians? (15-2041).
SOC Example
Pollster, Survey Methodologist, Survey Questionnaire Designer
Broad Group: Psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3039 Psychologists, All Other
SOC Description
All psychologists not listed separately.
SOC Example
Forensic Psychologist, Social Psychologist, Sports Psychologist
Broad Group: Psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3033 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
SOC Description
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients. Excludes ??Psychiatrists? (29-1223).
SOC Example
Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Out-Patient Therapist, Pediatric Psychologist, Behavioral Psychologist, Eating Disorder Specialist, Sex Offender Treatment Professional, Therapist
Broad Group: Psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3032 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
SOC Description
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
SOC Example
Engineering Psychologist, Human Resources Psychologist, Management Psychologist
Broad Group: Psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3034 School Psychologists
SOC Description
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
Broad Group: Sociologists
SOC Code: 19-3041 Sociologists
SOC Description
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
SOC Example
Criminologist, Family Sociologist, Rural Sociologist
Broad Group: Urban and Regional Planners
SOC Code: 19-3051 Urban and Regional Planners
SOC Description
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
SOC Example
City Planner, Community Development Planner
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 19-3091 Anthropologists and Archeologists
SOC Description
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
SOC Example
Ethonoarcheologist, Political Anthropologist, Research Archeologist
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 19-3092 Geographers
SOC Description
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth??s surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
SOC Example
Economic Geographer, Geomorphologist, GIS Geographer, Political Geographer
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 19-3093 Historians
SOC Description
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
SOC Example
Genealogist, Historiographer, Protohistorian
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 19-3094 Political Scientists
SOC Description
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. Excludes ??Survey Researchers? (19-3022).
SOC Example
Government Affairs Specialist, Political Consultant, Political Research
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Demographer, Ethnologist, Linguist

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians

Broad Group: Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4012 Agricultural Technicians
SOC Description
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Broad Group: Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4013 Food Science Technicians
SOC Description
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Broad Group: Biological Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4021 Biological Technicians
SOC Description
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
SOC Example
Bacteriology Technician, Marine Fisheries Technician, Wildlife Technician
Broad Group: Chemical Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4031 Chemical Technicians
SOC Description
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
SOC Example
Assayer, Chemical Laboratory Technician, Inorganic Chemical Technician
Broad Group: Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4042 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
SOC Description
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Broad Group: Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4043 Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
SOC Description
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
SOC Example
Crude Tester, Geophysical Prospector, Seismic Observer
Broad Group: Environmental Science and Geoscience Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4044 Hydrologic Technicians
SOC Description
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture. Excludes ??Hydrologists? (19-2043).
Broad Group: Nuclear Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4051 Nuclear Technicians
SOC Description
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
SOC Example
Nuclear Monitoring Technician, Radiochemical Technician
Broad Group: Social Science Research Assistants
SOC Code: 19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants
SOC Description
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. Excludes ??Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary? (25-9044).
SOC Example
City Planning Aide, Economic Research Assistant, Historian Research Assistant
Broad Group: Forest and Conservation Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4071 Forest and Conservation Technicians
SOC Description
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats. Excludes ??Conservation Scientists? (19-1031) and ??Foresters? (19-1032).
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians
SOC Description
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
SOC Example
Ballistics Expert, Crime Scene Technician, Trace Evidence Technician
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4099 Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
SOC Description
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.
SOC Example
Meteorological Aide, Polygraph Examiner
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4099.51 Life and Physical Science Research Assistants
SOC Description
Perform research activities, design and conduct experiments, perform studies, analyze and interpret test results, maintain laboratory records, maintain laboratory stock, etc.
SOC Example
Research life Assistants, Physical Science Research Assistant
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
SOC Code: 19-4099.52 Research Analysts
SOC Description
Gather information, analyze, and present it; prepare findings for publication; maintain databases; etc.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Broad Group: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
SOC Code: 19-5011 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
SOC Description
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
Broad Group: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
SOC Code: 19-5012 Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
SOC Description
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.