Standard Occupational Classification 2000 (SOC2000)

The Standard Occupational Classification consists of nine major groups. Click the group name to jump to a list of occupations included. For further information visit National Statistics at www.statistics.gov.uk .

1. Managers and Senior Officials
2. Professional Occupations
3. Associate Professional and Technical Occupations
4. Administrative and Secretarial Occupations
5. Skilled Trades Occupations
6. Personal Service Occupations
7. Sales and Customer Service Occupations
8. Process, Plant and Machine Operatives
9. Elementary Occupations

1. MANAGERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS

CORPORATE MANAGERS

Corporate Managers And Senior Officials

Senior officials in national government
Directors and chief executives of major organisations
Senior officials in local government
Senior officials of special interest organisations

Production Managers

Production, works and maintenance managers
Managers in construction
Managers in mining and energy

Functional Managers

Financial managers and chartered secretaries
Marketing and sales managers
Purchasing managers
Advertising and public relations managers
Personnel, training and industrial relations managers
Information and communication technology managers
Research and development managers

Quality And Customer Care Managers

Quality assurance managers
Customer care managers

Financial Institution And Office Managers

Financial institution managers
Office managers

Managers In Distribution, Storage And Retailing

Transport and distribution managers
Storage and warehouse managers

Protective Service Officers

Officers in armed forces
Police officers (inspectors and above)
Senior officers in fire, ambulance, prison and related services
Security managers

Health And Social Services Managers

Hospital and health service managers
Pharmacy managers
Healthcare practice managers
Social services managers
Residential and day care managers

MANAGERS AND PROPRIETORS IN AGRICULTURE AND SERVICES

Managers In Farming, Horticulture, Forestry And Fishing

Farm managers
Natural environment and conservation managers
Managers in animal husbandry, forestry and fishing n.e.c.

Managers And Proprietors In Hospitality And Leisure Services

Hotel and accommodation managers
Conference and exhibition managers
Restaurant and catering managers
Publicans and managers of licensed premises
Leisure and sports managers
Travel agency managers

Managers And Proprietors In Other Service Industries

Property, housing and land managers
Garage managers and proprietors
Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors
Shopkeepers and wholesale/retail dealers
Recycling and refuse disposal managers
Managers and proprietors in other services n.e.c.

2. PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS

Science Professionals

Chemists
Biological scientists and biochemists
Physicists, geologists and meteorologists

Engineering Professionals

Civil engineers
Mechanical engineers
Electrical engineers
Electronics engineers
Chemical engineers
Design and development engineers
Production and process engineers
Planning and quality control engineers
Engineering professionals n.e.c.

Information And Communication Technology Professionals

IT strategy and planning professionals
Software professionals

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Health Professionals

Medical practitioners
Psychologists
Pharmacists/pharmacologists
Ophthalmic opticians
Dental practitioners
Veterinarians

TEACHING AND RESEARCH PROFESSIONALS

Teaching Professionals

Higher education teaching professionals
Further education teaching professionals
Education officers, school inspectors
Secondary education teaching professionals
Primary and nursery education teaching professionals
Special needs education teaching professionals
Registrars and senior administrators of educational establishments
Teaching professionals n.e.c.

Research Professionals

Scientific researchers
Social science researchers
Researchers n.e.c.

BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

Legal Professionals

Solicitors and lawyers, judges and coroners
Legal professionals n.e.c.

Business And Statistical Professionals

Chartered and certified accountants
Management accountants
Management consultants, actuaries, economists and statisticians

Architects, Town Planners, Surveyors

Architects
Town planners
Quantity surveyors
Chartered surveyors (not quantity surveyors)

Public Service Professionals

Public service administrative professionals
Social workers
Probation officers
Clergy

Librarians And Related Professionals

Librarians
Archivists and curators

3) ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS

Science And Engineering Technicians

Laboratory technicians
Electrical/electronics technicians
Engineering technicians
Building and civil engineering technicians
Quality assurance technicians
Science and engineering technicians n.e.c.

Draughtspersons And Building Inspectors

Architectural technologists and town planning technicians
Draughtspersons
Building inspectors

IT Service Delivery Occupations

IT operations technicians
IT user support technicians

HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS

Health Associate Professionals

Nurses
Midwives
Paramedics
Medical radiographers
Chiropodists
Dispensing opticians
Pharmaceutical dispensers
Medical and dental technicians

Therapists

Physiotherapists
Occupational therapists
Speech and language therapists
Therapists n.e.c.

Social Welfare Associate Professionals

Youth and community workers
Housing and welfare officers

PROTECTIVE SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Protective Service Occupations

NCOs and other ranks
Police officers (sergeant and below)
Fire service officers (leading fire officer and below)
Prison service officers (below principal officer)
Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORTS OCCUPATIONS

Artistic And Literary Occupations

Artists
Authors, writers
Actors, entertainers
Dancers and choreographers
Musicians
Arts officers, producers and directors

Design Associate Professionals

Graphic designers
Product, clothing and related designers

Media Associate Professionals

Journalists, newspaper and periodical editors
Broadcasting associate professionals
Public relations officers
Photographers and audio-visual equipment operators

Sports And Fitness Occupations

Sports players
Sports coaches, instructors and officials
Fitness instructors
Sports and fitness occupations n.e.c.

BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS

Transport Associate Professionals

Air traffic controllers
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
Ship and hovercraft officers
Train drivers

Legal Associate Professionals

Legal associate professionals

Business And Finance Associate Professionals

Estimators, valuers and assessors
Brokers
Insurance underwriters
Finance and investment analysts/advisers
Taxation experts
Importers, exporters
Financial and accounting technicians
Business and related associate professionals n.e.c.

Sales And Related Associate Professionals

Buyers and purchasing officers
Sales representatives
Marketing associate professionals
Estate agents, auctioneers

Conservation Associate Professionals

Conservation and environmental protection officers
Countryside and park rangers

Public Service And Other Associate Professionals

Public service associate professionals
Personnel and industrial relations officers
Vocational and industrial trainers and instructors
Careers advisers and vocational guidance specialists
Inspectors of factories, utilities and trading standards
Statutory examiners
Occupational hygienists and safety officers (health and safety)
Environmental health officers

4. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SECRETARIAL OCCUPATIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE OCCUPATIONS

Administrative Occupations: Government And Related Organisations

Civil Service executive officers
Civil Service administrative officers and assistants
Local government clerical officers and assistants
Officers of non-governmental organisations

Administrative Occupations: Finance

Credit controllers
Accounts and wages clerks, book-keepers, other financial clerks
Counter clerks

Administrative Occupations: Records

Filing and other records assistants/clerks
Pensions and insurance clerks
Stock control clerks
Transport and distribution clerks
Library assistants/clerks
Database assistants/clerks
Market research interviewers

Administrative Occupations: Communications

Telephonists
Communication operators

Administrative Occupations: General

General office assistants/clerks

SECRETARIAL AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Secretarial And Related Occupations

Medical secretaries
Legal secretaries
School secretaries
Company secretaries
Personal assistants and other secretaries
Receptionists
Typists

5. SKILLED TRADES OCCUPATIONS

SKILLED AGRICULTURAL TRADES

Agricultural Trades

Farmers
Horticultural trades
Gardeners and groundsmen/groundswomen
Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.

SKILLED METAL AND ELECTRICAL TRADES

Metal Forming, Welding And Related Trades

Smiths and forge workers
Moulders, core makers, die casters
Sheet metal workers
Metal plate workers, shipwrights, riveters
Welding trades
Pipe fitters

Metal Machining, Fitting And Instrument Making Trades

Metal machining setters and setter-operators
Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out
Metal working production and maintenance fitters
Precision instrument makers and repairers

Vehicle Trades

Motor mechanics, auto engineers
Vehicle body builders and repairers
Auto electricians
Vehicle spray painters

Electrical Trades

Electricians, electrical fitters
Telecommunications engineers
Lines repairers and cable jointers
TV, video and audio engineers
Computer engineers, installation and maintenance
Electrical/electronics engineers n.e.c.

SKILLED CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING TRADES

Construction Trades

Steel erectors
Bricklayers, masons
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
Plumbers, heating and ventilating engineers
Carpenters and joiners
Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters
Construction trades n.e.c.

Building Trades

Plasterers
Floorers and wall tilers
Painters and decorators

TEXTILES, PRINTING AND OTHER SKILLED TRADES

Textiles And Garments Trades

Weavers and knitters
Upholsterers
Leather and related trades
Tailors and dressmakers
Textiles, garments and related trades n.e.c.

Printing Trades

Originators, compositors and print preparers
Printers
Bookbinders and print finishers
Screen printers

Food Preparation Trades

Butchers, meat cutters
Bakers, flour confectioners
Fishmongers, poultry dressers
Chefs, cooks

Skilled Trades n. e. c.

Glass and ceramics makers, decorators and finishers
Furniture makers, other craft woodworkers
Pattern makers (moulds)
Musical instrument makers and tuners
Goldsmiths, silversmiths, precious stone workers
Floral arrangers, florists
Hand craft occupations n.e.c.

6. PERSONAL SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

CARING PERSONAL SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Healthcare And Related Personal Services

Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
Dental nurses
Houseparents and residential wardens
Care assistants and home carers

Childcare And Related Personal Services

Nursery nurses
Childminders and related occupations
Playgroup leaders/assistants
Educational assistants

Animal Care Services

Veterinary nurses and assistants
Animal care occupations n.e.c.

LEISURE AND OTHER PERSONAL SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Leisure And Travel Service Occupations

Sports and leisure assistants
Travel agents
Travel and tour guides
Air travel assistants
Rail travel assistants
Leisure and travel service occupations n.e.c.

Hairdressers And Related Occupations

Hairdressers, barbers
Beauticians and related occupations

Housekeeping Occupations

Housekeepers and related occupations
Caretakers

Personal Services Occupations n. e. c.

Undertakers and mortuary assistants
Pest control officers

7. SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

SALES OCCUPATIONS

Sales Assistants And Retail Cashiers

Sales and retail assistants
Retail cashiers and check-out operators
Telephone salespersons

Sales Related Occupations

Collector salespersons and credit agents
Debt, rent and other cash collectors
Roundsmen/women and van salespersons
Market and street traders and assistants
Merchandisers and window dressers
Sales related occupations n.e.c.

CUSTOMER SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Customer Service Occupations

Call centre agents/operators
Customer care occupations

8. PROCESS, PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATIVES

PROCESS, PLANT AND MACHINE OPERATIVES

Process Operatives

Food, drink and tobacco process operatives
Glass and ceramics process operatives
Textile process operatives
Chemical and related process operatives
Rubber process operatives
Plastics process operatives
Metal making and treating process operatives
Electroplaters
Process operatives n.e.c.

Plant And Machine Operatives

Paper and wood machine operatives
Coal mine operatives
Quarry workers and related operatives
Energy plant operatives
Metal working machine operatives
Water and sewerage plant operatives
Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

Assemblers And Routine Operatives

Assemblers (electrical products)
Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
Routine inspectors and testers
Weighers, graders, sorters
Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters
Clothing cutters
Sewing machinists
Routine laboratory testers
Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.

Construction Operatives

Scaffolders, stagers, riggers
Road construction operatives
Rail construction and maintenance operatives
Construction operatives n.e.c.

TRANSPORT AND MOBILE MACHINE DRIVERS AND OPERATIVES

Transport Drivers And Operatives

Heavy goods vehicle drivers
Van drivers
Bus and coach drivers
Taxi, cab drivers and chauffeurs
Driving instructors
Rail transport operatives
Seafarers (merchant navy); barge, lighter and boat operatives
Air transport operatives
Transport operatives n.e.c.

Mobile Machine Drivers And Operatives

Crane drivers
Fork-lift truck drivers
Agricultural machinery drivers
Mobile machine drivers and operatives n.e.c.

9. ELEMENTARY OCCUPATIONS

ELEMENTARY TRADES, PLANT AND STORAGE RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Elementary Agricultural Occupations

Farm workers
Forestry workers
Fishing and agriculture related occupations n.e.c.

Elementary Construction Occupations

Labourers in building and woodworking trades
Labourers in other construction trades n.e.c.

Elementary Process Plant Occupations

Labourers in foundries
Industrial cleaning process occupations
Printing machine minders and assistants
Packers, bottlers, canners, fillers
Labourers in process and plant operations n.e.c.

Elementary Goods Storage Occupations

Stevedores, dockers and slingers
Other goods handling and storage occupations n.e.c.

ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICE OCCUPATIONS

Elementary Administration Occupations

Postal workers, mail sorters, messengers, couriers
Elementary office occupations n.e.c.

Elementary Personal Services Occupations

Hospital porters
Hotel porters
Kitchen and catering assistants
Waiters, Waitresses
Bar staff
Leisure and theme park attendants
Elementary personal services occupations n.e.c.

Elementary Cleaning Occupations

Window cleaners
Road sweepers
Cleaners, domestics
Launderers, dry cleaners, pressers
Refuse and salvage occupations
Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c.

Elementary Security Occupations

Security guards and related occupations
Traffic wardens
School crossing patrol attendants
School mid-day assistants
Car park attendants
Elementary security occupations n.e.c.

Elementary Sales Occupations

Shelf fillers
Elementary sales occupations n.e.c.