For compensation professionals, integrating SOC codes into job descriptions isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic advantage.
SOC codes provide the structure needed to align internal roles with market benchmarks, support compliance, and drive better compensation decisions.
This article explores what SOC codes are, why they matter to comp teams, and where to find them, with a focus on practical benefits like standardization, job matching, analytics, and regulatory reporting.
Key Takeaways
- SOC codes classify jobs into standardized occupational categories used across industries.
- They help compensation teams benchmark pay accurately using BLS data and third-party surveys.
- SOC-aligned job descriptions support regulatory compliance (EEO-1, OFCCP, VETS-4212).
- Assigning SOC codes brings clarity and consistency to job architecture and leveling.
- They enable deeper compensation analytics across roles, departments, and locations.
- Tools like O*NET and Mosh JD make SOC code assignment easy and scalable.
- O*NET offers a free database that includes soc code lists.
- Mosh JD includes SOC codes native to our job description generator.
What are SOC Codes?
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is a federal framework used to classify workers into standardized occupational categories. Each job is assigned a SOC code based on the type of work performed, making it easier to analyze labor data across industries. While originally designed for statistical purposes, SOC codes have become increasingly valuable for compensation professionals managing job frameworks, benchmarking, and compliance.
Benefits of Using SOC Codes in Job Descriptions
1. Standardization and Clarity
SOC codes introduce structure and consistency into job descriptions, allowing compensation teams to group similar roles under a common taxonomy. This is especially useful for organizations managing hundreds of job titles across departments, locations, or job levels. Standardization helps eliminate ambiguity and enables clear job leveling across business units.
2. Facilitates Job Matching
Compensation professionals rely on external data to price roles accurately. SOC codes serve as a bridge between internal roles and external compensation surveys, BLS data, and third-party benchmarks. With each job tied to a consistent occupational code, you can ensure apples-to-apples comparisons across diverse data sources.
3. Enhanced Data Analysis
Tying job descriptions to SOC codes improves your ability to run comp-driven analytics across your organization. This includes:
- Pay equity studies by job family
- Workforce composition by SOC grouping
- Skills-based planning and budgeting
SOC codes also support AI-driven insights in many compensation tools, enhancing everything from salary predictions to geographic wage differentials.
4. Support Compliance and Reporting
Many regulatory requirements, such as EEO-1, OFCCP, and VETS-4212, expect or require alignment with SOC classifications. Assigning SOC codes to job descriptions makes compliance reporting faster, more accurate, and audit-ready. It also reduces risk in government contracting environments where job classification errors can lead to penalties.
Tools like Mosh JD can make compliance audits easy – by digitizing and organizing all of your jobs in one centralized database. These jobs can be sorted by code, family, or any other criteria required, making them very accessible at any time – including during an audit.
Where to Find SOC Code List for Job Descriptions
Finding the right SOC code for your job descriptions might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with the right resources, it becomes a straightforward task.
O*net Database
The O*NET system, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides a free and comprehensive resource for SOC code lookup. Users can search by job title, description, or keyword to find the most appropriate code, along with associated job functions and skills.
Mosh JD’s Job Description Software
For those seeking a more integrated approach, Mosh JD’s job description software offers easy access to SOC codes. Comp pros can streamline the job description creation process by utilizing our user-friendly job description management software to create, update, and maintain hundreds of accurate job descriptions.
Mosh JD simplifies the process by offering built-in SOC code matching as part of its job description management software. Instead of manually looking up codes, users can tag jobs with the correct classification during the job creation or review process.
Assigning SOC Codes to Internal Jobs Can Simplify Compensation
SOC codes aren’t just for statisticians; they’re a critical tool for compensation professionals. From benchmarking and analytics to compliance and pay equity, SOC codes bring structure and strategic value to your job architecture. Incorporating them into your job descriptions ensures your compensation strategy is aligned, data-driven, and audit-ready.
Mosh JD makes it easy to assign and manage SOC codes directly within your job descriptions; no spreadsheets, no guesswork. Whether you’re benchmarking compensation, preparing for compliance audits, or building a scalable job architecture, Mosh JD gives you the tools to do it faster and more accurately.
👉 Click here to book a demo today and see how Mosh can streamline your job description management process.
