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.

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

Publications and Other Documentation of the SOC System

• 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

• The 2000 SOC Manual is currently under revision. For more information, please see the latest Federal Register notice on the SOC page above. The public comment period closed July 17, 2006. The revised SOC structure will be published in a second Federal Register notice. To receive notification when the next SOC Federal Register notice is published, email SOCRegister@bls.gov.

Last Modified Date: February 16, 2007