Atomeocean Common Occupations and SOC Code Reference
This page helps you understand the relationship between job titles, job descriptions, and SOC Codes. The final LCA occupation information is subject to the application materials confirmed by Atomeocean and the attorney.
Next Reading
- When you need to understand wage levels and data sources, see the LCA Wage Data Reference.
- When you need to fill in the Job Duty or other LCA fields, see the LCA Information Entry Guide.
DOL Has Discontinued DOT Code; SOC Code Is Now Primary
In the past, some older H1B/LCA materials mentioned the DOT Code (Dictionary of Occupational Titles) or the 3-digit Occupational Groups code. That system is a historical occupational classification: DOL explains that the DOT was last updated in 1991, has been replaced by ONET, and is no longer supported by ETA; when you need to look up current occupational information, you should use ONET.
For H1B LCA preparation, in practice you should handle occupational classification around the SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification Code):
- In FLAG/ETA-9035-related data, the occupational classification fields are presented as
SOC_CODEandSOC_TITLE. The SOC Code is used to indicate the standard occupational classification corresponding to the position in this application. - The ONET Code Connector and ONET OnLine can be used to match a job title and duty description to an O*NET/SOC occupation.
- If a historical template, an old form, or archived law-firm material still shows a DOT Code, treat it only as a reference for the old system or mapping; it should not replace the current LCA's SOC Code judgment.
- When confirming the SOC Code, you should simultaneously cross-check the job title, core duties, minimum education/experience requirements, work-location wage data, and wage level, to avoid choosing a SOC that does not match the real duties for the sake of wage or lottery factors.
Official references:
- DOL: Status note on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles
- DOL: ONET and the ONET Code Connector
- DOL OFLC: LCA public disclosure field descriptions
SOC Code Reference Table
| Job Title | Occupation | Job Description (Core Duties) | SOC Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | Software Developers | Design, develop, test, and maintain computer software systems; solve complex technical problems | 15-1252.00 |
| Data Analyst | Data Scientists | Collect, clean, and analyze data; generate visualization reports to support business decisions | 15-2051.00 |
| Finance Manager | Develop financial strategy, oversee budgeting and fund management, ensure corporate financial compliance | 11-3031.00 | |
| Marketing Manager | Marketing Managers | Plan marketing campaigns, analyze consumer behavior, and develop brand-growth strategies | 11-2021.00 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Design mechanical equipment and systems, conduct product prototype testing and production-process optimization | 17-2141.00 | |
| Electrical Engineer | Design, develop, and test electrical equipment and control systems; solve power-distribution problems | 17-2071.00 | |
| Marketing Specialist | Conduct market research, assist in planning marketing campaigns, and analyze promotion effectiveness | 13-1161.00 | |
| Database Administrator | Maintain database system security and performance; optimize data storage and backup strategies | 15-1242.00 | |
| Human Resources Manager | Human Resources Managers | Develop recruitment plans, employee training programs, and compensation/benefit systems; handle labor-relations issues | 11-3121.00 |
| Pharmacist | Review the appropriateness of prescription drugs, provide medication guidance, and manage drug inventory | 29-1051.00 | |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | Monitor network threats, implement security protections, and respond to data-breach incidents | 15-1212.00 | |
| Physical Therapist | Physical Therapists | Assess patients' motor-function impairments, develop rehabilitation plans, and deliver treatment | 29-1123.00 |
SOCs That Are Inconvenient to Support
| Job Title | Occupation | Job Description (Core Duties) | SOC Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Assess patients' health needs, execute nursing plans, and provide medical education | 29-1141.00 | |
| Elementary Teacher | Develop lesson plans, teach core subject knowledge, and assess students' academic progress | 25-2021.00 | |
| Civil Engineer | Plan, design, and supervise infrastructure construction (e.g., roads, bridges) | 17-2051.00 |
SOC Code Blacklist
For the following occupation categories, Atomeocean does not currently provide support.
Positions Related to Materials Science and Engineering
If you wish to continue in positions aligned with the materials science and engineering specialty and do not plan to change fields, Atomeocean currently cannot provide support.
For example: welder.
If you plan to switch to a computer-related specialty for your job search, we can provide corresponding support.