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Standard Occupational Classification

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SOC

Standard Occupational Classification

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STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
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The 2000 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. All workers are classified into one of over 820 occupations according to their occupational definition. To facilitate classification, occupations are combined to form 23 major groups, 96 minor groups, and 449 broad occupations. Each broad occupation includes detailed occupation(s) requiring similar job duties, skills, education, or experience. General questions concerning the SOC may be sent by email or faxed to 202-691-6444.

Announcement

NEW Important News about 2010 SOC Revision

On January 21, 2009, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a Federal Register notice detailing its final decisions for revising the 2000 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for 2010. Please see below for more detailed information.

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SOC Classification System
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SOC Classification System

The 2000 Standard Occupational Classification System - Contains links to major groups, the complete hierarchical structure, broad occupational definitions, and detailed occupational definitions
Search the 2000 Standard Occupational Classification System

SOC Publications

Federal Register Notice, May 22, 2008 (PDF)
Federal Register Notice, May 16, 2006 (PDF 103KB)
SOC User Guide
Order your copy of the SOC manual
BLS Implementation Schedule
SOC Occupational Structure (PDF 53K)
Revising the Standard Occupational Classification System (PDF 98K) - Report 929, June 1999 [Note: this document refers to the 2000 SOC]
Federal Register Notice, September 30, 1999
Federal Register Notice, August 5, 1998
Federal Register Notice, July 7, 1997
Federal Register Notice, October 5, 1995
Federal Register Notice, February 28, 1995 (PDF 33KB)

SOC Revision

Important News about 2010 SOC Revision

On January 21, 2009, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a Federal Register notice detailing the final decisions for the 2010 SOC. Please refer to the PDF version available below for more detailed information. As noted in the Federal Register notice of January 21, 2009, the SOCPC responses to the comments received in response to the previous Federal Register notice, and the 2010 SOC Structure are provided below.

NEW Federal Register Notice, January 21, 2009 (PDF)
NEW 2010 SOC Structure (PDF) (XLS)
NEW SOCPC Responses to Comments Received

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For additional information concerning the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system , contact us at:

Email: Contact us
Telephone number: 202-691-6500
Fax number: 202-691-6444
Mail address: Office of Employment and Unemployment Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Suite 2135, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20212-0001

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Division of Occupational Employment Statistics Suite 2135, Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20212-0001

http://www.bls.gov/SOC/ | Telephone: (202) 691-6500 | Fax: (202) 691-6444 Do you have a SOC data question?