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.

Art and Design Workers

Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1012 Craft Artists
SOC Description
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
SOC Example
Hand Potter, Metal Arts Production Artist, Quilter
Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1011 Art Directors
SOC Description
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. Excludes ??Set and Exhibit Designers? (27-1027).
SOC Example
Magazine Designer
Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1019.51 Tattoo Artists
SOC Description
Using needles and pigments, apply a permanent design directly to a client?s body, injecting ink under a layer of skin.
Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All artists and related workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Calligrapher, Tattoo Artist
Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
SOC Description
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
SOC Example
Ice Sculptor, Political Cartoonist, Scientific Illustrator, Sketch Artist
Broad Group: Artists and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators
SOC Description
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
SOC Example
Special Effects Artist, 3D Animator
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1029 Designers, All Other
SOC Description
All designers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Memorial Marker Designer
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers
SOC Description
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
SOC Example
Set Decorator, Stage Scenery Designer
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1026 Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
SOC Description
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
SOC Example
Display Artist, Mannequin Decorator, Window Decorator
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1025 Interior Designers
SOC Description
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design. Excludes ??Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers? (27-1026).
SOC Example
Home Lighting Advisor, Interior Decorator, Kitchen Designer
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1024 Graphic Designers
SOC Description
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. Excludes ??Web and Digital Interface Designers? (15-1255).
SOC Example
Catalogue Illustrator, Graphic Artist
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1023 Floral Designers
SOC Description
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
SOC Example
Corsage Maker, Florist, Flower Arranger
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1022 Fashion Designers
SOC Description
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
SOC Example
Costume Designer, Custom Furrier, Dress Designer
Broad Group: Designers
SOC Code: 27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers
SOC Description
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children??s toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
SOC Example
Automobile Designer, Package Designer

Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers

Broad Group: Actors, Producers, and Directors
SOC Code: 27-2011 Actors
SOC Description
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
SOC Example
Actress, Dramatic Reader, Voice-Over Artist
Broad Group: Actors, Producers, and Directors
SOC Code: 27-2012 Producers and Directors
SOC Description
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
SOC Example
Casting Director, Independent Film Maker, Stage Manager
Broad Group: Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2021 Athletes and Sports Competitors
SOC Description
Compete in athletic events.
SOC Example
Football Player, Jockey, Race Car Driver
Broad Group: Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2022 Coaches and Scouts
SOC Description
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes?? strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes?? technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category. Excludes ??Athletic Trainers? (29-9091).
SOC Example
Baseball Scout, Boxing Trainer, Football Coach
Broad Group: Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2023 Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
SOC Description
Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.
SOC Example
Athletic Events Scorer, Paddock Judge, Race Starter
Broad Group: Dancers and Choreographers
SOC Code: 27-2031 Dancers
SOC Description
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
SOC Example
Ballerina, Dance Artist, Tap Dancer
Broad Group: Dancers and Choreographers
SOC Code: 27-2032 Choreographers
SOC Description
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
SOC Example
Dance Director, Dance Master
Broad Group: Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2041 Music Directors and Composers
SOC Description
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
SOC Example
Choirmaster, Jingle Writer, Orchestra Conductor, Songwriter
Broad Group: Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2042 Musicians and Singers
SOC Description
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
SOC Example
Instrumentalist, Oboist, Rapper
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2091 Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
SOC Description
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies). Radio disc jockeys are included in ??Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys? (27-3011). Excludes ??Musicians and Singers? (27-2042), ??Audio and Video Technicians? (27-4011), and ??Sound Engineering Technicians? (27-4014).
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers
SOC Code: 27-2099 Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Clown, Comedian, Magician

Media and Communication Workers

Broad Group: Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
SOC Code: 27-3011 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
SOC Description
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. Excludes ??News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists? (27-3023).
SOC Example
Game Show Host, Radio Disk Jockey, Talk Show Host
Broad Group: News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists
SOC Code: 27-3023 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
SOC Description
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Broad Group: Public Relations Specialists
SOC Code: 27-3031 Public Relations Specialists
SOC Description
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
SOC Example
Lobbyist, Press Secretary, Publicity Writer
Broad Group: Writers and Editors
SOC Code: 27-3041 Editors
SOC Description
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
SOC Example
Advertising Editor, Copy Editor, Technical Editor
Broad Group: Writers and Editors
SOC Code: 27-3042 Technical Writers
SOC Description
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
SOC Example
Grant Writer
Broad Group: Writers and Editors
SOC Code: 27-3043 Writers and Authors
SOC Description
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. Excludes ??News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists? (27-3023), ??Public Relations Specialists? (27-3031), and ??Technical Writers? (27-3042).
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Media and Communication Workers
SOC Code: 27-3092 Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
SOC Description
Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Media and Communication Workers
SOC Code: 27-3099 Media and Communication Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All media and communication workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Stage Technician
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Media and Communication Workers
SOC Code: 27-3091 Interpreters and Translators
SOC Description
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
SOC Example
American Sign Language Interpreter, Court Interpreter, Diplomatic Interpreter

Media and Communication Equipment Workers

Broad Group: Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians
SOC Code: 27-4011 Audio and Video Technicians
SOC Description
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events. Excludes ??Sound Engineering Technicians? (27-4014), ??Lighting Technicians? (27-4015), and ??Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers? (49-2097).
SOC Example
Multimedia Production Assistant, Video Control Operator, Video Production Assistant
Broad Group: Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians
SOC Code: 27-4012 Broadcast Technicians
SOC Description
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.
SOC Example
Audio Engineer, Broadcast Engineer
Broad Group: Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians
SOC Code: 27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians
SOC Description
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions. Excludes ??Audio and Video Technicians? (27-4011).
SOC Example
Audio Recording Engineer, Sound Editor, Sound Effects Technician
Broad Group: Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians
SOC Code: 27-4015 Lighting Technicians
SOC Description
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories. Excludes ??Audio and Video Technicians? (27-4011).
Broad Group: Photographers
SOC Code: 27-4021 Photographers
SOC Description
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject??s appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. Excludes ??Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film? (27-4031).
SOC Example
Marine Photographer, Medical Photographer, Wedding Photographer
Broad Group: Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators and Editors
SOC Code: 27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
SOC Description
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
SOC Example
Cinematographer, News Videographer
Broad Group: Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators and Editors
SOC Code: 27-4032 Film and Video Editors
SOC Description
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images. Excludes ??Sound Engineering Technicians? (27-4014).
SOC Example
Cue Selector, Film Editor, Television News Video Editor
Broad Group: Miscellaneous Media and Communication Equipment Workers
SOC Code: 27-4099 Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All media and communication equipment workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Dimmer Board Operator, Satellite Communications Operator, Spotlight Operator