In 2020, the Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 2308, which as of Oct. 1, 2022, will require employers to report the standard occupational classification (SOC) code of workers to the Employment Security Department (ESD). Currently, ESD has filed a CR 101 and developed draft rules for this new requirement.

How Does this Impact Employers?

While the rules for this requirement are not yet finalized, employers will need to include each employee’s SOC code on the employer’s quarterly tax and wage report that is submitted to ESD. ESD’s website includes a code search function to assist employers in determining the appropriate code.

What is the Standard Occupational Classification System?

The SOC system is a federal standard used to classify workers into occupational categories. There are currently 867 occupation codes, each made up of six numbers. Dentistry codes can be found below:

• Dentists, General; 29-1021
• Dentists, All Other Specialists; 29-1029
• Dental Hygienists; 29-1292
• Dental Assistants; 31-9091
• Dental Laboratory Technicians; 51-9081

How Will the Data be Used?

The data will provide more accurate occupational employment and wage statistics and will be useful in several ways, including job training program planning, evaluation of the effectiveness of the training programs, determining the composition of employment in communities, among other uses.