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.
Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.
SOC Example
Banquet Supervisor, Bar Manager, Kitchen Supervisor
SOC Description
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
SOC Example
Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef
Cooks and Food Preparation Workers
SOC Description
Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.
SOC Example
Fast Food Fry Cook
SOC Description
Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.
SOC Example
Camp Cook, Galley Cook, Mess Cook, School Cook
SOC Description
Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.
SOC Example
Certified personal Chef, Private Chef
SOC Description
Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.
SOC Example
Banquet Cook, Line Cook, Saucier, Sushi Chef
SOC Description
Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables. Excludes ??Cooks, Fast Food? (35-2011).
SOC Example
Griddle Cook
SOC Description
All cooks not listed separately.
SOC Example
Falafal Cart Cook, Fraternity House Cook, Bull cook
SOC Description
A handyman in a camp, such as a logging camp. One who does caretaking chores and acts as a cook or a cook?s helper.
SOC Example
Bull Cook, Camp Cook
SOC Description
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea. Baristas should be coded to 35-3023.
SOC Example
Fruit and Vegetable Parer, Salad Maker, Sandwich Maker
Food and Beverage Serving Workers
SOC Description
Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
SOC Example
Barkeep, Mixologist, Taproom Attendant
SOC Description
Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages. Counter attendants who also wait tables are included in ??Waiters and Waitresses? (35-3031). Includes Baristas.
SOC Example
Barista
SOC Description
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment. Excludes ??Fast Food and Counter Workers? (35-3023).
SOC Example
Cocktail Server, Dining Car Server, Wine Steward
SOC Description
Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars. Excludes ??Fast Food and Counter Workers? (35-3023) and ??Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers? (41-9091).
SOC Example
Boat Hop, Hospital Food Service Worker, Room Service Food Server
Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers
SOC Description
Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.
SOC Example
Bar Back, Busser, Lunchroom Attendant
SOC Description
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
SOC Example
Dish Room Worker, Silverware Cleaner
SOC Description
Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.
SOC Example
Dining Room Host, Maitre D'
SOC Description
All food preparation and serving related workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Kitchen Steward