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 Personal Care and Service Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.
SOC Description
Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.
SOC Example
Animal Trainer Supervisor, Caddy Master, Recreation Attendant Supervisor
Animal Care and Service Workers
SOC Description
Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
SOC Example
Guide Dog Trainer, Horse Breaker, Marine Mammal Trainer
SOC Description
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks. Excludes ??Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers? (31-9096) and ??Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals? (45-2093).
SOC Example
Animal Shelter Worker, Dog Groomer, Kennel Worker, Zookeeper
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers
SOC Description
Operate table games. Stand or sit behind table and operate games of chance by dispensing the appropriate number of cards or blocks to players, or operating other gambling equipment. Distribute winnings or collect players?? money or chips. May compare the house??s hand against players?? hands.
SOC Example
Blackjack Dealer, Craps Dealer, Poker Dealer, Roulette Dealer
SOC Description
Post information enabling patrons to wager on various races and sporting events. Assist in the operation of games such as keno and bingo. May operate random number-generating equipment and announce the numbers for patrons. Receive, verify, and record patrons?? wagers. Scan and process winning tickets presented by patrons and pay out winnings for those wagers.
SOC Example
Betting Clerk, Keno Runner, Race Book Writer, Bingo Workers
SOC Description
Perform duties associated with bingo such as ensuring that players follow proper conduct in the bingo area, calling bingo ball values, checking bingo machine and balls, counting money, announcing winners and prizes, paying out prizes to winners, etc.
SOC Example
Bingo Attendant, Bingo Caller, Bingo Checker, Bingo Clerk, Bingo Usher, Bingo Worker.
SOC Description
Provide pull-tab gaming customer services including but not limited to greeting, taking and filling orders, collecting payment, and distributing winnings.
SOC Description
All gambling service workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Pit Clerk, Proposition Player, Shill
SOC Description
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
SOC Example
Film Projector Operator, Movie Projectionist
SOC Description
Assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties, such as collecting admission tickets and passes from patrons, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and helping patrons locate such facilities as restrooms and telephones.
SOC Example
Theater Usher, Ticket Collector
SOC Description
Perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility. May schedule use of recreation facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or operate amusement concessions and rides.
SOC Example
Arcade Attendant, Golf Caddy, Ski Lift Operator, Pull Tab Dealer, Pull Tab Attendant
SOC Description
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
SOC Example
Theatrical Wardrobe Dresser, Wardrobe Attendant
SOC Description
Provide personal items to patrons or customers in locker rooms, dressing rooms, or coatrooms.
SOC Example
Bathhouse Attendant, Coat Checker, Washroom Attendant
SOC Description
All entertainment attendants and related workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Card Player, Cardroom Attendant, Chip Mucker, Dice Person, Dice Table Person, Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers all other, Entertainment Attendants all other, Floor Attendant, Gambler, Game Attendant, Game Room Attendant, Lottery Clerk exc sale
SOC Description
A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a member of the film crew and is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production. The job of a PA can vary greatly depending on the budget and specific requirements of a production as well as whether the production is unionized. Production assistants on films are sometimes attached to individual actors or filmmakers.
SOC Example
PA, Set PA, Truck PA, Locations PA, Office PA, Set Runner, Extra PA, Daily
Funeral Service Workers
SOC Description
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
SOC Example
Licensed Embalmer, Restorative Art Embalmer
SOC Description
Operate crematory equipment to reduce human or animal remains to bone fragments in accordance with state and local regulations. Duties may include preparing the body for cremation and performing general maintenance on crematory equipment. May use traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, or alkaline hydrolysis.
SOC Description
Perform a variety of tasks during funeral, such as placing casket in parlor or chapel prior to service, arranging floral offerings or lights around casket, directing or escorting mourners, closing casket, and issuing and storing funeral equipment.
SOC Example
Funeral Home Assistant, Mortician Helper, Pallbearer
SOC Description
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners. Excludes ??Funeral Home Managers? (11-9171).
SOC Example
Certified Mortician, Funeral Arranger
Personal Appearance Workers
SOC Description
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
SOC Example
Barber Apprentice, Master Barber
SOC Description
Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services. Excludes ??Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance? (39-5091), ??Manicurists and Pedicurists? (39-5092), and ??Skincare Specialists? (39-5094).
SOC Example
Beautician, Wig Stylist
SOC Description
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
SOC Example
Special Effects Makeup Artist
SOC Description
Clean and shape customers?? fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
SOC Example
Fingernail Sculptor, Nail Technician
SOC Description
Shampoo and rinse customers?? hair.
SOC Example
Scalp Treatment Specialist, Shampoo Assistant
SOC Description
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual??s appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
SOC Example
Facialist, Medical Esthetician
Baggage Porters, Bellhops, and Concierges
SOC Description
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
SOC Example
Bellstaff, Hotel Baggage Handler, Skycap
SOC Description
Assist patrons at hotel, apartment, or office building with personal services. May take messages; arrange or give advice on transportation, business services, or entertainment; or monitor guest requests for housekeeping and maintenance.
SOC Example
Activities Concierge, Hotel Concierge, Hotel Guest Service Agent
Tour and Travel Guides
SOC Description
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
SOC Example
Historical Site Guide, Museum Guide, Sightseeing Guide
SOC Description
Plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
SOC Example
Cruise Director, River Expedition Guide
Other Personal Care and Service Workers
SOC Description
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. Excludes ??Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education? (25-2011) and ??Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education? (25-9042).
SOC Example
Au Pair, Daycare Provider, Nanny
SOC Description
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise. Excludes ??Educational Instruction and Library Occupations? (25-0000), ??Coaches and Scouts? (27-2022), and ??Athletic Trainers? (29-9091).
SOC Example
Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor
SOC Description
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
SOC Example
Activities Aide, Camp Counselor, Playground Worker
SOC Description
Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.
SOC Example
Dormitory Counselor, House Parent, Residence Life Coordinator
SOC Description
All personal care and service workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Body Piercers, Powder Room Attendants, Pet Crematory Workers, Shoe Shiners, Slumber Room Attendants, Valets, Sauna Attendants.
SOC Description
Monitor inmate activity in a prison using CCTV.
SOC Description
Assist a specific person <span style="font-weight:600">in a private household</span> with their daily business or personal tasks such as answering phone calls, taking notes, scheduling meetings, emailing, texts etc. Perform a variety of life management tasks, including running errands, arranging travel, paying bills, shopping, meal planning, remembering special occasions like birthdays, etc. Excludes Personal Care Aides, 399021.
SOC Example
Personal Aide (PA), Personal Secretary (PS)