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.

Select a Major Grouping Category

Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

SOC Code: 53-1042 First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand

SOC Description

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of helpers, laborers, or material movers, hand.

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

SOC Code: 53-1041 Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

SOC Description

Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

SOC Code: 53-1049 First-Line Supervisors of Transportation Workers, All Other

SOC Description

All first-line supervisors of transportation workers not listed separately.

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

SOC Code: 53-1043 First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators

SOC Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of material-moving machine and vehicle operators and helpers.

Broad Group: First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers

SOC Code: 53-1044 First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants

SOC Description

Supervise and coordinate activities of passenger attendants. Includes supervisors of ??Flight Attendants? (53-2031).

SOC Example

Supervisor Flight Attendant, Flight Attendant Supervisor

Air Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

SOC Code: 53-2011 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

SOC Description

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots. Excludes ??Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians? (17-3024).

SOC Example

Airline Captain, Airline Pilot in Command, Charter Pilot (Air Transport Pilot Certificate Required), Charter Pilot (Airline)

Broad Group: Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

SOC Code: 53-2012 Commercial Pilots

SOC Description

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots. Excludes ??Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians? (17-3024).

SOC Example

Aerial Crop Duster, Charter Pilot (Commercial Pilot Certificate Required), Flight Instructor (Commercial pilots), Helicopter Pilot

Broad Group: Air Traffic Controllers and Airfield Operations Specialists

SOC Code: 53-2021 Air Traffic Controllers

SOC Description

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.

SOC Example

Air Traffic Control Operator, Control Tower Operator, Enroute Controller

Broad Group: Air Traffic Controllers and Airfield Operations Specialists

SOC Code: 53-2022 Airfield Operations Specialists

SOC Description

Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

SOC Example

Aviation Operations Specialist, Flight Operations Coordinator

Broad Group: Flight Attendants

SOC Code: 53-2031 Flight Attendants

SOC Description

Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

SOC Example

Airline Flight Attendant, Airplane Flight Attendant

Motor Vehicle Operators

Broad Group: Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

SOC Code: 53-3011 Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

SOC Description

Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.

SOC Example

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Driver

Broad Group: Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3031 Driver/Sales Workers

SOC Description

Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery. Excludes ??Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers? (49-9091) and ??Light Truck Drivers? (53-3033).

SOC Example

Bakery Deliverer, Pizza Delivery Driver, Route Salesperson

Broad Group: Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3032 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

SOC Description

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers?? license. Includes tow truck drivers. Excludes ??Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors? (53-7081).

SOC Example

Auto Carrier Driver, Cement Truck Driver, Moving Van Driver- Towing Driver

Broad Group: Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3032.51 Tow Truck Drivers

SOC Description

Drives tow-truck to move motor vehicles damaged by accident, stalled, or ticketed by police for traffic violation. Receives call or is dispatched to location by repair garage, automobile association, or police department by radio or telephone. May make minor repairs to vehicles along highway, such as replacing spark plugs, batteries, and light bulbs, and connecting loose wires.

SOC Example

Tow-truck Driver - Towing Driver

Broad Group: Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3033 Light Truck Drivers

SOC Description

Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle. Excludes ??Couriers and Messengers? (43-5021) and ??Driver/Sales Workers? (53-3031).

SOC Example

Pharmacy Delivery Driver

Broad Group: Passenger Vehicle Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3053 Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs

SOC Description

Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers. Excludes ??Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians? (53-3011) and ??Taxi Drivers? (53-3054).

Broad Group: Passenger Vehicle Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3054 Taxi Drivers

SOC Description

Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter. Excludes ??Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs? (53-3053).

Broad Group: Passenger Vehicle Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3052 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity

SOC Description

Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.

Broad Group: Passenger Vehicle Drivers

SOC Code: 53-3051 Bus Drivers, School

SOC Description

Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Operators

SOC Code: 53-3099 Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other

SOC Description

All motor vehicle operators not listed separately.

SOC Example

Ice-Resurfacing Machine Operator, Motorcycle Deliverer, Street Cleaning Equipment Operator

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Operators

SOC Code: 53-3099.51 Snow Plow Operators

SOC Description

Plow driveways and parking lots.

SOC Example

Snow Plow Operator, Snow Plow Driver

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Operators

SOC Code: 53-3099.52 Street Cleaner Drivers

SOC Description

Drive or operate vehicles specially equipped to remove material from roads or lots.

SOC Example

Street Cleaners

Rail Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Locomotive Engineers and Operators

SOC Code: 53-4011 Locomotive Engineers

SOC Description

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations. Excludes ??Engineers? (17-2011 through 17-2199).

SOC Example

Railroad Engineer, Train Engineer

Broad Group: Locomotive Engineers and Operators

SOC Code: 53-4013 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

SOC Description

Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

SOC Example

Coal Tram Driver, Railcar Switcher

Broad Group: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

SOC Code: 53-4022 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

SOC Description

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

Broad Group: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

SOC Code: 53-4031 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

SOC Description

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

SOC Example

Freight Conductor, Yard Conductor

Broad Group: Subway and Streetcar Operators

SOC Code: 53-4041 Subway and Streetcar Operators

SOC Description

Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.

SOC Example

Light Rail Transit Operator, Tram Operator, Trolley Car Operator

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Rail Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-4099 Rail Transportation Workers, All Other

SOC Description

All rail transportation workers not listed separately.

SOC Example

Railway Equipment Operator, Retarder Operator, Transfer Table Operator

Water Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Sailors and Marine Oilers

SOC Code: 53-5011 Sailors and Marine Oilers

SOC Description

Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.

SOC Example

Deckhand, Merchant Mariner

Broad Group: Ship and Boat Captains and Operators

SOC Code: 53-5021 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

SOC Description

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard. Excludes ??Motorboat Operators? (53-5022).

SOC Example

Barge Captain, First Mate, Harbor Pilot, Port Captain, Skipper

Broad Group: Ship and Boat Captains and Operators

SOC Code: 53-5022 Motorboat Operators

SOC Description

Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

SOC Example

Launch Operator, Speedboat Operator, Water Taxi Operator

Broad Group: Ship Engineers

SOC Code: 53-5031 Ship Engineers

SOC Description

Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship. Excludes ??Engineers? (17-2000).

SOC Example

Barge Engineer, Ferry Engineer, Tugboat Engineer, Marine Engineer

Other Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Bridge and Lock Tenders

SOC Code: 53-6011 Bridge and Lock Tenders

SOC Description

Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

SOC Example

Lighthouse Keeper, Lock and Dam Operator

Broad Group: Parking Attendants

SOC Code: 53-6021 Parking Attendants

SOC Description

Park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage. May park or tend vehicles in environments such as a car dealership or rental car facility. May collect fee.

SOC Example

Parking Ramp Attendant, Valet Parker

Broad Group: Transportation Service Attendants

SOC Code: 53-6031 Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants

SOC Description

Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires. Excludes ??Cashiers? (41-2011).

SOC Example

Gas and Oil Servicer, Gas Pump Attendant, Service Station Attendant

Broad Group: Transportation Service Attendants

SOC Code: 53-6032 Aircraft Service Attendants

SOC Description

Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.

SOC Example

Aircraft Refueler

Broad Group: Traffic Technicians

SOC Code: 53-6041 Traffic Technicians

SOC Description

Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.

SOC Example

Highway Traffic Control Technician, Traffic Signal Technician, Transportation Technician

Broad Group: Transportation Inspectors

SOC Code: 53-6051 Transportation Inspectors

SOC Description

Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified. Excludes ??Transportation Security Screeners? (33-9093).

SOC Example

Aircraft Inspector, Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector, Railroad Car Inspector

Broad Group: Passenger Attendants

SOC Code: 53-6061 Passenger Attendants

SOC Description

Provide services to ensure the safety of passengers aboard ships, buses, trains, or within the station or terminal. Perform duties such as explaining the use of safety equipment, serving meals or beverages, or answering questions related to travel. Excludes ??Baggage Porters and Bellhops? (39-6011) and ??Flight Attendants? (53-2031).

SOC Example

Ship Steward, Train Attendant

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-6099 Transportation Workers, All Other

SOC Description

All transportation workers not listed separately.

SOC Example

Airplane Refueler, Rickshaw Driver

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-6099.02 Air Transportation Workers, All Other

SOC Description

Include all air transportation workers not listed separately.

SOC Example

Other Air Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-6099.05 Water Transportation Workers, All Other

SOC Description

Include all water transportation workers not listed separately.

SOC Example

Other Water Transportation Workers

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-6099.51 Ramp Agents

SOC Description

Properly secure plane, check and load luggage and mail into the plane, and guide it into the proper terminal. Responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers. Ready plane for take off, and ensure that all luggage ends up on the proper aircraft. Clean the aircraft, direct it to and from the gates, and operate the ground equipment necessary to secure, load, and unload the plane.

SOC Example

Ramp Agents

Broad Group: Miscellaneous Transportation Workers

SOC Code: 53-6099.52 Rampers

SOC Description

Load and unload vans for shipping by water or land. Can be household or commerical items in containers.

SOC Example

Ramper

Material Moving Workers

Broad Group: Conveyor Operators and Tenders

SOC Code: 53-7011 Conveyor Operators and Tenders

SOC Description

Control or tend conveyors or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from stockpiles, processing stations, departments, or vehicles. May control speed and routing of materials or products.

SOC Example

Conveyor Belt Operator, Grain Elevator Operator

Broad Group: Crane and Tower Operators

SOC Code: 53-7021 Crane and Tower Operators

SOC Description

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

SOC Example

Boom Crane Operator, Cherry Picker Operator, Coal Tower Operator

Broad Group: Dredge Operators

SOC Code: 53-7031 Dredge Operators

SOC Description

Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

SOC Example

Dredger

Broad Group: Hoist and Winch Operators

SOC Code: 53-7041 Hoist and Winch Operators

SOC Description

Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment. Excludes ??Crane and Tower Operators? (53-7021).

SOC Example

Winch Derrick Operator

Broad Group: Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

SOC Code: 53-7051 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

SOC Description

Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location. Excludes ??Logging Equipment Operators? (45-4022).

SOC Example

Forklift Operator, Stacker Operator