SOC code meaning and the SOC 2010 code list.
A SOC code is a classification code used to group occupations by the kind of work they represent. This directory uses the Office for National Statistics (ONS) SOC 2010 reference and makes its hierarchy easier to browse.
From major group to unit group
SOC 2010 is hierarchical: 9 Major Groups contain 25 Sub-major Groups, which contain 90 Groups and 369 Unit Groups. A unit group is the most specific code level in this directory.
- 1 · MANAGERS, DIRECTORS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS36 unit groups →
- 2 · PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS71 unit groups →
- 3 · ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS65 unit groups →
- 4 · ADMINISTRATIVE AND SECRETARIAL OCCUPATIONS25 unit groups →
- 5 · SKILLED TRADES OCCUPATIONS57 unit groups →
- 6 · CARING, LEISURE AND OTHER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS26 unit groups →
- 7 · SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS18 unit groups →
- 8 · PROCESS, PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATIVES42 unit groups →
- 9 · ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS29 unit groups →
SOC 2010 tools
Find or classify an occupation
Look up the 369 committed SOC 2010 unit groups, or submit a job title for ranked classification support. Search stays on this page, so filtered queries are not published as separate indexable URLs.
Popular records shown
Group 116: Managers and Directors in Transport and Logistics
Group 116: Managers and Directors in Transport and Logistics
Group 118: Health and Social Services Managers and Directors
Group 118: Health and Social Services Managers and Directors
Group 121: Managers and Proprietors in Agriculture Related Services
Group 121: Managers and Proprietors in Agriculture Related Services
Group 122: Managers and Proprietors in Hospitality and Leisure Services
Classification support only. Review the role duties and context before selecting a code.
Use the classification with the right research surface
SOC codes help describe occupation categories. Pair that context with historical permit research, company records or the separate visa eligibility check when those are the questions you need to answer.
Classification scope
DETE uses SOC 2010 unit-group codes in the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible List of Occupations. The code is central to occupation eligibility, but it does not by itself determine a permit outcome; current list wording, job duties, salary, qualifications, employer and permit route also matter.
Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), Standard Occupational Classification 2010 · Version: SOC 2010 · Reference: soc-occupation.v2
