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 Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.
SOC Example
Building Cleaning Supervisor, Cleaning Staff Supervisor, Custodial Supervisor
Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.
SOC Example
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Head Greenskeeper, Horticultural Services Supervisor

Building Cleaning and Pest Control Workers

Broad Group: Building Cleaning Workers
SOC Code: 37-2011 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
SOC Description
Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.
SOC Example
Industrial Plant Custodian, School Custodian, Window Washer
Broad Group: Building Cleaning Workers
SOC Code: 37-2012 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
SOC Description
Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.
SOC Example
Chambermaid, House Cleaner, Housekeeping Staff
Broad Group: Building Cleaning Workers
SOC Code: 37-2019 Building Cleaning Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All building cleaning workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Building Pressure Washer, Chimney Sweeper
Broad Group: Pest Control Workers
SOC Code: 37-2021 Pest Control Workers
SOC Description
Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
SOC Example
Exterminator, Fumigator, Rodent Exterminator

Grounds Maintenance Workers

Broad Group: Grounds Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-3011 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
SOC Description
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units. Excludes ??Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse? (45-2092).
SOC Example
Hedge Trimmer, Lawn Caretaker, Shrub Planter, String Xmas Lights
Broad Group: Grounds Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-3012 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
SOC Description
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification. Crop dusters are included in ??Commercial Pilots? (53-2012).
SOC Example
Fruit Sprayer, Weed Sprayer
Broad Group: Grounds Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-3013 Tree Trimmers and Pruners
SOC Description
Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts. Excludes workers who primarily perform duties of ??Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers? (37-3011) and ??Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation? (37-3012).
SOC Example
Tree Specialist, Tree Surgeon
Broad Group: Grounds Maintenance Workers
SOC Code: 37-3019 Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other
SOC Description
All grounds maintenance workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Trailhead Maintenance Worker, Tree Trimmer Helper