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 Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
SOC Description
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
SOC Example
Automobile Body Repair Supervisor, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Railroad Car Repair Supervisor
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
SOC Description
Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.
SOC Example
ATM Servicer, Cash Register Servicer, Data Processing Equipment Repairer
SOC Description
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers?? property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings. Excludes ??Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers? (49-9052).
SOC Example
Fiber Optic Central Office Installer, Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Installer and Repairer
SOC Description
Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.
SOC Example
Radio Frequency Technician, Radio Mechanic, Two-Way Radio Technician
SOC Description
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
SOC Example
Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Instrument Mechanic, Automatic pilot Mechanic
SOC Description
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
SOC Example
Armature Rewinder, Electrical Parts Reconditioner
SOC Description
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment. Excludes ??Avionics Technicians? (49-2091) and ??Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles? (49-2096).
SOC Example
Locomotive Electrician, Marine Electronics Repairer
SOC Description
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas. Excludes ??Avionics Technicians? (49-2091), ??Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment? (49-2093), and ??Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles? (49-2096).
SOC Example
Industrial Robotics Mechanic, Missile Pad Mechanic, Public Address System Mechanic
SOC Description
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
SOC Example
Power Transformer Repairer, Powerhouse Electrician, Relay Technician
SOC Description
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
SOC Example
Automotive Electrician, Car Alarm Installer, Car Stereo Installer, GPS Car Navigation Installer
SOC Description
Install, repair, or adjust audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic entertainment equipment in homes or other venues. May perform routine maintenance. Excludes ??Audio and Video Technicians? (27-4011).
SOC Example
Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer, Home Theater Installer, Satellite Dish Installer, Wireless Internet Installer
SOC Description
Install, program, maintain, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. Excludes ??Electricians? (47-2111) who do a broad range of electrical wiring.
SOC Example
Burglar Alarm Installer, Fire Alarm Installer, home Security Alarm Installer
Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Excludes ??Avionics Technicians? (49-2091).
SOC Example
Aircraft Engine Specialist, Airframe Mechanic, Flight Test Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes ??Automotive Body and Related Repairers? (49-3021), ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031), and ??Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles? (49-2096).
SOC Example
Auto Transmission Specialist, Automotive Brake Technician, Automotive Fuel Injection Servicer, Hybrid Car Mechanic
SOC Description
Perform routine maintenance as well as minor/major repairs of ground equipment and automobiles at an airport. Repairs are made indoors in a garage or outdoors on the ramp. Responsibilities include: repairing and overhauling ground support equipment, performing troubleshooting of ground support equipment, maintaining equipment in a safe condition, performing preventative and routine maintenance servicing, keeping tools and support equipment in safe and operational working conditions, keeping work areas clean and free of hazards.
SOC Example
Lead GSE Mechanic, GSE Mechanic, Jr. GSE Mechanic, Ground Support Equipment Mechanic
SOC Description
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
SOC Example
Auto Glass Mechanic, Automotive Glazier, Windshield Installer
SOC Description
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames. Excludes ??Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers? (49-3022) and ??Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders? (51-9124).
SOC Example
Auto Body Customizer, Auto Bumper Straightener, Truck Body Repairer
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
SOC Example
Biodiesel Engine Specialist, Marine Diesel Technician, School Bus Mechanic, Tractor Trailer Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems. Excludes ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031).
SOC Example
Combine Mechanic, Dairy Equipment Repairer, irrigation Equipment Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining. Excludes ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031) and ??Rail Car Repairers? (49-3043).
SOC Example
Bulldozer Mechanic, Construction Equipment Mechanic, Forklift Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars. Excludes ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031).
SOC Example
Mine Car Mechanic, Street Car Repairer, Subway Car Repairer, Trolley Car Overhauler
SOC Description
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines. Excludes ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031).
SOC Example
Certified Marine Mechanic, Outboard Motor Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
SOC Example
All Terrain Vehicle Technician, Motorcycle Service Technician, Motor Scooter Mechanic
SOC Description
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
SOC Example
Golf Cart Mechanic, Lawn Mower Repairer, Mobility Scooter Repairer, Power Saw Mechanic
SOC Description
Repair and service bicycles.
SOC Example
Bicycle Mechanic, Bicycle Service Technician
SOC Description
Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair, or overhaul recreational vehicles including travel trailers. May specialize in maintaining gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. Includes workers who perform customized van conversions. Excludes ??Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics? (49-3023) and ??Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists? (49-3031) who also work on recreation vehicles.
SOC Example
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Repairer, RV Mechanic
SOC Description
Repair and replace tires.
SOC Example
Tire Balancer, Tire Fixer
Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
SOC Description
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
SOC Example
Air Valve Mechanic, Gas Meter Installer, Thermostat Repairer
SOC Description
Install, service, or repair automatic door mechanisms and hydraulic doors. Includes garage door mechanics.
SOC Example
Automatic Door Mechanic
SOC Description
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
SOC Example
Gas Furnace Installer, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Mechanic, Oil Burner Repairer
SOC Description
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
SOC Example
Vacuum Cleaner Repairer, Washing Machine Installer, Window Air Conditioner Installer
SOC Description
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans. Excludes ??Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines? (49-3042), and ??Maintenance Workers, Machinery? (49-9043).
SOC Description
Repair, adjust and maintain mine machinery such as pumps, compressors, pneumatic tools, conveyors, drilling and cutting machines, and mining cars.
SOC Example
Mine Machine Mechanic, Conveyor Mechanic, Compressor Mechanic
SOC Description
Troubleshoot and inspect mining equipment by visual inspection and by the use of testing and diagnostic equipment to determine problems or malfunction. Regularly remove, repair and replace components or piece parts to mining equipment such as belt systems, longwall systems, rock flow systems, underground loaders and trucks, underground drills, room and pillar products, as well as perform repair work to other mine operation equipment as needed. Regularly write detailed and accurate service reports stating the nature of the job and what has been done.
SOC Description
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance. Excludes ??Maintenance and Repair Workers, General? (49-9071).
SOC Example
Crane Oiler
SOC Description
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
SOC Description
Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.
SOC Example
Bondactor Machine Repairer, Cupola Repairer, Kiln Door Builder, Ladle Repairer
SOC Description
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers. Excludes ??Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay? (49-2095).
SOC Example
Electric Powerline Examiner, Electric Utility Lineworker, Electrical High Tension Tester, Electrical Lineworker
SOC Description
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
SOC Example
Cable Television Installer, FIOS Line Installer, Telephone Cable Splicer
SOC Description
Repair, clean, and adjust mechanisms of timing instruments, such as watches and clocks. Includes watchmakers, watch technicians, and mechanical timepiece repairers. Excludes "Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters? (51-2061).
SOC Example
Antique Clock Repairer, Clock Repair Technician, Horologist
SOC Description
All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Gyroscope Repairer, Telescope Repairer
SOC Description
Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning. Excludes ??Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers" (49-2097) who repair electrical and electronic musical instruments.
SOC Example
Brass and Wind Instrument Repairer, Piano Tuner, Violin Repairer
SOC Description
Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
SOC Example
Medical Equipment Technician; Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Biomedical Technician, Bio Medical Technician, Service Technician, Biomedical Electronics Technician, Biomedical Engineering Technician (BMET), Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician
SOC Description
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
SOC Example
Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer, Camera Repairer, Photographic Equipment Technician
SOC Description
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes ??Facilities Managers? (11-3013) and ??Maintenance Workers, Machinery? (49-9043).
SOC Example
Facilities Maintenance (general)
SOC Description
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
SOC Example
Wind Energy Technician, Wind Turbine Mechanic
SOC Description
Install, service, adjust, or repair coin, vending, or amusement machines including video games, juke boxes, pinball machines, or slot machines.
SOC Example
Arcade Games Mechanic, Parking Meter Collector, Slot Machine Mechanic, Vending Machine Filler
SOC Description
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life. Excludes ??Athletes and Sports Competitors? (27-2021), ??Police and Sheriff??s Patrol Officers? (33-3051), and ??Fishing and Hunting Workers? (45-3031).
SOC Example
Marine Diver, Salvage Diver, Scuba Diver, Underwater Welder
SOC Description
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.
SOC Example
Key Maker, Safe and Vault Installer, Safe and Vault Mechanic
SOC Description
Move or install mobile homes or prefabricated buildings.
SOC Example
Housetrailer Servicer, Mobile Homer Mechanic, Mobile Home Servicer
SOC Description
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
SOC Example
Acrobatic Rigger, Crane Rigger, Yard Rigger
SOC Description
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
SOC Example
Light Rail Signal Technician, Rail Signal Mechanic, Third Rail Installer
SOC Description
Help installation, maintenance, and repair workers in maintenance, parts replacement, and repair of vehicles, industrial machinery, and electrical and electronic equipment. Perform duties such as furnishing tools, materials, and supplies to other workers; cleaning work area, machines, and tools; and holding materials or tools for other workers.
SOC Example
Automobile Body Repairer Helper, Locksmith Helper, Motorboat Mechanic Helper
SOC Description
All installation, maintenance, and repair workers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Bowling Alley Mechanic, Fire Extinguisher Installer, Gasoline Pump Installer, Gunsmith
SOC Description
Include all electrical and electronic equipment, maintenance, installation and repairers not listed separately.
SOC Example
Bowling Alley Mechanic
SOC Description
Include all vehicle mechanics, installers, repairers, all other not listed separately
SOC Example
All Other Vehicle, Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers