What are SOC Codes?

 SOC stands for Standard Occupational Classification. These codes are used to classify workers into occupational categories based on the type of work they perform. The SOC system is a national standard developed to help federal and state agencies collect, analyze, and report employment data in a consistent way.

Why do I need to provide SOC codes for employees?
Some U.S. states require employers to include SOC codes when filing quarterly State Unemployment Insurance (SUTA) reports. These codes help state agencies:

• Accurately classify job roles,

• Monitor labor market trends, and

• Ensure consistent workforce reporting.

If you're an employer in one of the following states, you're required to report SOC codes for employees who earn wages subject to SUTA tax:

• Alaska

• Indiana

• Louisiana

• South Carolina (effective Q1 2024)

• Washington (effective Q4 2022)

• West Virginia (effective Q1 2023)

Failing to include valid SOC codes in your wage reports may lead to penalties or rejected submissions.

Understanding the SOC code structure

SOC codes are six-digit numeric codes that categorize jobs into a hierarchy of occupation groups. In total, there are 867 detailed occupations organized under broader classifications:

• 23 Major Groups

• 98 Minor Groups

• 459 Broad Occupations

• 867 Detailed Occupations

Example SOC Code Breakdown

Let’s take the code 11-1021:

• 11 – Major Group: Management Occupations

• 1020 – Broad Occupation: General Managers

• 1021 – Detailed Occupation: General and Operations Managers

To explore the full list of SOC codes, visit the official BLS SOC page.

How to assign the correct SOC code to an employee

With 867 detailed occupations to choose from, identifying the right SOC code can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step example to make it easier:

Example: You run a small construction business

You employ the following roles:

• 5 construction laborers

• 2 electricians

• 1 site supervisor

• 5 Plumbers

• 1 equipment operator

Let’s find SOC codes for each role using the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool.

Step 1: Start with the Major Group

Use the BLS site to find the appropriate major group. In this case, you'd look under:

47-0000 – Construction and Extraction Occupations

Step 2: Narrow down to the Detailed Occupation Codes

Within that major group (and related administrative roles), here are the SOC codes that best match your team:


 

Job Title	SOC Code	Occupation Title
Construction Laborers	47-2061	Construction Laborers
Electricians	47-2111	Electricians
Site Supervisor	47-1011	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades
Equipment Operator	47-2073	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Plumbers	47-2152	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters