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 Office and Administrative Support Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
SOC Example
Clerical Supervisor, Payroll Supervisor, Teller Supervisor
Communications Equipment Operators
SOC Description
Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.
SOC Example
Private Branch Exchange Operator, Telephone Answering Service Operator, Telephone Switchboard Operator
SOC Description
Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.
SOC Example
Directory Assistance Operator, Long Distance Operator, Information Operator
SOC Description
All communications equipment operators not listed separately.
SOC Example
Fax Machine Operator
Financial Clerks
SOC Description
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer??s account, preparing statements to credit department if customer fails to respond, initiating repossession proceedings or service disconnection, and keeping records of collection and status of accounts.
SOC Example
Collection Agent, Debt Collector, Repossessor
SOC Description
Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes. Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods. Excludes ??Medical Records Specialists? (29-2072).
SOC Example
Billing Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Billing Coordinator, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounting Assistant, Billing Specialist, Contract Administrator, Health Care Billing Clerk
SOC Description
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers. Excludes ??Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks? (43-3051).
SOC Example
Accounts Receivable Clerk, Bookkeeper, Mortgage Accounting Clerk
SOC Description
In a gambling establishment, conduct financial transactions for patrons. Accept patron??s credit application and verify credit references to provide check-cashing authorization or to establish house credit accounts. May reconcile daily summaries of transactions to balance books. May sell gambling chips, tokens, or tickets to patrons, or to other workers for resale to patrons. May convert gambling chips, tokens, or tickets to currency upon patron??s request. May use a cash register or computer to record transaction.
SOC Example
Cage Cashier, Casino Cashier
SOC Description
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees?? time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks. Excludes ??Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks? (43-3031).
SOC Example
Time and Attendance Clerk, Timekeeper
SOC Description
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services. Excludes ??Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products? (13-1022).
SOC Example
Procurement Assistant, Purchasing Clerk
SOC Description
Receive and pay out money. Keep records of money and negotiable instruments involved in a financial institution??s various transactions.
SOC Example
Foreign Exchange Clerk, Money Order Clerk, Securities Teller
SOC Description
All financial clerks not listed separately.
SOC Example
Bank Vault Attendant, Financial Reserve Clerk, Safety Deposit Clerk, Bank Vault Clerk, Bank Vault Custodian, Financial Operations Clerk, Safe Deposit Clerk, Vault Teller
Information and Record Clerks
SOC Description
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
SOC Example
Commodities Clerk, Dividend Clerk
SOC Description
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
SOC Example
Fan Mail Editor, Medicare Correspondence Representative
SOC Description
Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees. Clerks of Court are classified in ??Managers, All Other? (11-9199).
SOC Example
Circuit Court Clerk, Motor Vehicle License Clerk, Warrant Clerk
SOC Description
Authorize credit charges against customers?? accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.
SOC Example
Charge Authorizer, Commercial Credit Reviewer, Credit Rating Checker
SOC Description
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
SOC Example
Customer Compliant Clerk, Passenger Relations Representative, Warranty Clerk
SOC Description
Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
SOC Example
Medical Interviewer, Public Housing Interviewer, Unemployment Benefits Claims Taker, Social Security Benefits Interviewer
SOC Description
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
SOC Example
Filing Clerk, Records Clerk, Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Filing Clerk
SOC Description
Accommodate hotel, motel, and resort patrons by registering and assigning rooms to guests, issuing room keys or cards, transmitting and receiving messages, keeping records of occupied rooms and guests?? accounts, making and confirming reservations, and presenting statements to and collecting payments from departing guests.
SOC Example
Hotel Front Desk Clerk, Hotel Registration Clerk
SOC Description
Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.
SOC Example
Census Taker, Market Research Interviewer, Outpatient Interviewing Clerk, Financial Counselors, Care Representatives, Admitting Interviewer, Census Clerk, Census Taker, Field Enumerator, Market Research Interviewer, Survey Interviewer, Telephone Interview
SOC Description
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials. Excludes ??Library Technicians? (25-4031).
SOC Example
Braille and Talking Books Clerk, Circulation Clerk, Microfilm Clerk
SOC Description
Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants?? backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department. Review loan papers to ensure completeness, and complete transactions between loan establishment, borrowers, and sellers upon approval of loan.
SOC Example
Loan Processor, Mortgage Loan Closer
SOC Description
Interview persons desiring to open accounts in financial institutions. Explain account services available to prospective customers and assist them in preparing applications.
SOC Example
Bank Services Clerk, New Accounts Banking Representative
SOC Description
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints. Excludes ??Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance? (43-5032) who both dispatch and take orders for services.
SOC Example
Catalogue Clerk, Classified Ad Clerk, Subscription Clerk
SOC Description
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
SOC Example
HR Clerk, Personnel Clerk
SOC Description
Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization. Excludes ??Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service? (43-2011).
SOC Example
Appointment Clerk, Front Desk Receptionist, Land Leasing Information Clerk
SOC Description
Make and confirm reservations for transportation or lodging, or sell transportation tickets. May check baggage and direct passengers to designated concourse, pier, or track; deliver tickets and contact individuals and groups to inform them of package tours; or provide tourists with travel or transportation information. Excludes "Cashiers? (41-2011), "Travel Agents? (41-3041), and "Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks? (43-4081) who sell tickets for local transportation.
SOC Example
Airline Ticket Agent, Gate Agent, Hotel Reservationist, Train Reservation Clerk
SOC Description
All information and record clerks not listed separately.
SOC Example
Election Clerk, Probate Clerk, Student Admissions Clerk
SOC Description
Check voter information, distribute ballots, and assist voters if needed. May count ballots and prepare official records.
SOC Example
Election Worker
Material Recording, Scheduling, Dispatching, and Distributing Workers
SOC Description
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
SOC Example
Cargo Router, Freight Shipping Agent, Ramp Service Agent
SOC Description
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance. Excludes ??Light Truck Drivers? (53-3033).
SOC Example
Bicycle Messenger, Laboratory Courier, Office Runner
SOC Description
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
SOC Example
Emergency Operator, 911 Operator, Police Radio Dispatcher
SOC Description
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
SOC Example
Taxicab Dispatcher, Tow Truck Dispatcher, Train Dispatcher
SOC Description
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
SOC Example
Electric Meter Reader, Gas Meter Reader, Water Meter Reader
SOC Description
Perform any combination of tasks in a United States Postal Service (USPS) post office, such as receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail rack or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage. Includes postal service clerks employed by USPS contractors.
SOC Example
Bulk Mail Carrier, Parcel Post Clerk, Postal Service Window Clerk
SOC Description
Sort and deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Deliver mail on established route by vehicle or on foot. Includes postal service mail carriers employed by USPS contractors.
SOC Example
Letter Carrier, Mail Deliverer, Rural Route Carrier
SOC Description
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Examine, sort, and route mail. Load, operate, and occasionally adjust and repair mail processing, sorting, and canceling machinery. Keep records of shipments, pouches, and sacks, and perform other duties related to mail handling within the postal service. Includes postal service mail sorters and processors employed by USPS contractors. Excludes ??Postal Service Clerks? (43-5051) and ??Postal Service Mail Carriers? (43-5052).
SOC Example
Flat Sorting Machine Clerk, Mail Forwarding System Markup Clerk
SOC Description
Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems. Excludes ??Project Management Specialists? (13-1082) and ??Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping? (43-5111).
SOC Example
Expeditor, Material Control Clerk, Production Scheduler
SOC Description
Verify and maintain records on incoming and outgoing shipments involving inventory. Duties include verifying and recording incoming merchandise or material and arranging for the transportation of products. May prepare items for shipment. Excludes ??Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping? (43-5111), ??Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, except Postal Service? (43-9051), and ??Stockers and Order Fillers? (53-7065).
SOC Description
Weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment for the purpose of keeping relevant records. Duties are primarily clerical by nature. Includes workers who collect and keep record of samples of products or materials. Excludes ??Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers? (51-9061).
SOC Example
Cheese Weighter, Scale Attendant, Weighting Station Operator
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
SOC Description
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
SOC Example
Law Secretary, Legal Administrative Assistant
SOC Description
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers. Excludes legal, medical, and executive secretaries (43-6011 through 43-6013).
SOC Example
Office Secretary, Personal Secretary, School Secretary
SOC Description
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
SOC Example
Medical Administrative Assistants
SOC Description
Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff. Excludes ??Secretaries? (43-6012 through 43-6014).
SOC Example
Executive Assistant
Other Office and Administrative Support Workers
SOC Description
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator. Duties may include verifying data and preparing materials for printing. Excludes ??Word Processors and Typists? (43-9022).
SOC Example
Data Input Clerk, Data Typist
SOC Description
Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned. Excludes ??Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners? (27-3092), ??Medical Transcriptionists? (31-9094), ??Secretaries and Administrative Assistants? (43-6010), and ??Data Entry Keyers? (43-9021).
SOC Example
Clerk Typist, Transcription Typist
SOC Description
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
SOC Example
Desktop Publishing Specialist, Electronic Publisher
SOC Description
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives. Excludes ??Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators? (13-1031).
SOC Example
Insurance Claims Processor, Insurance Claims Specialist, Claims Specialist, Claims Technician, Healthcare Insurance Claims Processors
SOC Description
Prepare incoming and outgoing mail for distribution. Time-stamp, open, read, sort, and route incoming mail; and address, seal, stamp, fold, stuff, and affix postage to outgoing mail or packages. Duties may also include keeping necessary records and completed forms.
SOC Example
Direct Mail Clerk, Mailroom Clerk, Packaging Clerk
SOC Description
Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.
SOC Example
Administrative Clerk, Office Assistant, Real Estate Clerk
SOC Description
Operate one or more of a variety of office machines, such as photocopying, photographic, and duplicating machines, or other office machines. Excludes ??Billing and Posting Clerks? (43-3021) and ??Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service? (43-9051).
SOC Example
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators and Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators, Coin Wrapping Machine Operator, Copy Machine Operator
SOC Description
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
SOC Example
Braille Proofreader, Copy Reader, Editorial Assistant
SOC Description
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
SOC Example
Actuarial Assistant, Statistical Clerk
SOC Description
All office and administrative support workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Envelope Stuffer, Fingerprint Clerk, Notary Public
SOC Description
Ensure that the election is conducted fairly. Settle disputes over voter qualification and identification, deal with damaged and incorrectly marked ballots and take care of any other issues involving interpretation and enforcement of election laws. Officially open and close the polling place and be responsible for the safe and secure delivery of sealed ballot boxes to the vote counting facility after the polls close.