What SOC code should be used for a software engineer?
In most cases, a software engineer whose primary duties involve designing, developing, testing, or maintaining software should be classified as 15-1252 Software Developers.
Software Engineering Classification Guide
This guide helps employers identify the appropriate Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for software engineering positions. Because the federal SOC system does not include a dedicated Software Engineer occupation, the appropriate classification generally depends on the position's primary duties and responsibilities.
SOC Code for Software Engineers
The most commonly used SOC code for a software engineer is 15-1252 Software Developers. This classification is generally appropriate when the position primarily involves designing, developing, testing, maintaining, or improving software systems and applications.
Most Common Classification
Use 15-1252 Software Developers when the position's primary responsibility is the design, development, implementation, or maintenance of software.
Classification Is Duty-Based
SOC classifications are based on the work performed rather than the employer's preferred job title. Different software engineering roles may therefore require different classifications.
Why Is There No Software Engineer SOC Code?
Software Engineer is both a widely recognized professional title and an established engineering profession. However, the federal SOC system does not currently provide a separate occupational classification specifically for software engineers.
Instead, most software engineering positions are classified under 15-1252 Software Developers. Other codes may be appropriate when a position is primarily focused on quality assurance, systems analysis, web development, database architecture, security, or another specialized area.
NSOSE position: The absence of a dedicated Software Engineer classification makes it more difficult to accurately measure employment, compensation, workforce growth, and demand within the software engineering profession.
Common SOC Codes for Software Engineering Roles
Select the SOC code that most closely matches the position's primary duties, expected outcomes, and areas of accountability.
| SOC Code | Occupation | When It May Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 15-1252 | Software Developers | Designing, building, testing, and maintaining software systems and applications. |
| 15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Quality engineering, test strategy, validation, and verification of software systems. |
| 15-1251 | Computer Programmers | Implementing and modifying code from detailed specifications with limited design ownership. |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | Analyzing requirements and translating organizational needs into system specifications. |
Earlier software developer classifications were consolidated under the 2018 SOC system. This is why 15-1252 is now commonly used for software engineering positions centered on software development.
How to Select the Appropriate SOC Code
Employers should classify a position according to its principal work rather than relying solely on the job title.
- Identify the duties that occupy the largest portion of the employee's time.
- Determine the position's primary responsibilities and expected outcomes.
- Compare those duties with the available SOC occupation descriptions.
- Select the classification that most closely represents the position's principal work.
- Document the reason for selecting that classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Software Engineer an official SOC occupation?
No. The SOC system currently treats Software Engineer as a job title that may fall within another occupation, most commonly Software Developers.
Should the job title determine the SOC code?
No. The classification should be based on the position's primary duties and responsibilities, not the title alone.
Can two software engineers have different SOC codes?
Yes. A software quality engineer, security engineer, systems engineer, or web-focused engineer may require a different classification when the position's principal duties fall outside general software development.
For Employers
Hiring Software Engineers?
Classify the position using the guidance below, then advertise your opportunity through NSOSE to reach professionals across the software engineering community.
Software engineering audience Employer-focused listings Nonprofit professional society
