SOC Codes Explained: How the Government Classifies Occupations

Every occupation in federal labor statistics has a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The SOC is a 6-digit taxonomy maintained jointly by BLS, the Census Bureau, and the Office of Management and Budget. Understanding it helps you get more from wage data, H-1B filings, and occupational employment projections.

Structure of SOC Codes

SOC codes are structured hierarchically. The first two digits identify the major group (23 groups, e.g., 15 = Computer and Mathematical). Digits 3–4 identify the minor group. Digits 5–6 identify the specific occupation. An occupation code of 15-1252 breaks down as: major group 15 (Computer and Mathematical), minor group 15-12 (Software and Web Developers), occupation 15-1252 (Software Developers).

SOC vs. O*NET

The SOC provides the skeleton; O*NET (the Occupational Information Network) provides the muscle — detailed task, skill, and work context data for each occupation. O*NET is maintained by the DOL Employment and Training Administration and is widely used for career counseling, HR job analysis, and workforce planning. OEWS wages align to SOC codes, making SOC the bridge between O*NET data and wage data.

Browse occupations at our occupations section.