What Is a SOC Code? Understanding BLS Occupation Classification
June 6, 2026
Every occupation in BLS wage data is classified using the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system — a federal taxonomy that organizes all jobs into a hierarchical structure from broad groups to detailed occupations. Understanding how SOC codes work helps you use BLS data more effectively.
The Hierarchy
SOC codes have four levels:
- Major Group (2-digit): broad occupational categories like "15-0000 Computer and Mathematical Occupations"
- Minor Group (3-digit): subdivisions within major groups
- Broad Occupation (4-digit): more specific groupings
- Detailed Occupation (6-digit): the most specific category, e.g. "15-1252 Software Developers"
How WageDepth Uses SOC Codes
WageDepth displays wages at the detailed occupation level — the most specific category — which gives the most useful salary benchmarks. Browse the full hierarchy starting at WageDepth occupations.
Why the Same Job Has Multiple SOC Codes
The SOC system is built around what workers do, not job titles. A "Senior Engineer" at one company might be classified as a software developer (15-1252), a systems analyst (15-1211), or a computer scientist (15-1221) depending on their actual duties. When comparing job posting salaries to BLS data, finding the right SOC code matters.
SOC Updates
The SOC system is revised periodically. The current version (SOC 2018) added several new detailed occupations — including separate categories for data scientists — that were previously lumped together. BLS OEWS data on WageDepth uses the most current classification.