Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations: Codes & Work Permit Skills

As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its labor market and statistical systems, the need for a consistent way to identify and organize occupations has become increasingly important. To support this need, the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) developed the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations based on international standards while taking the Kingdom’s occupational structure and requirements into account.

The Council of Ministers approved the updated classification under Resolution No. (540), dated 16/9/1440 AH, along with occupational linkage tables. It is intended to remain in use until the adoption of the Saudi Unified Classification of Occupations referred to in the resolution.

This article explains how the SSCO is structured, how its occupation codes are organized, and how businesses and individuals can identify the appropriate occupation within the classification.

What Is the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO)?

The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) is a national occupational classification system based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08). It provides a structured system for classifying and grouping occupational information obtained from censuses, statistical surveys, and administrative records.

The main purpose of the SSCO is to standardize occupation titles and descriptions and establish a unified occupational structure across statistical sectors in Saudi Arabia. This helps make occupational data from different sources easier to compare and supports the processing and analysis of workforce and labor-market information.

The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) prepared the classification with reference to the international classification while taking Saudi requirements into account. The preparation process also included reviewing Saudi, Arab, and Gulf occupational classifications and linking the classifications used by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Civil Service to the SSCO.

Stages of Preparing SSCO

The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) was developed based on ISCO-08 to provide a comprehensive classification that reflects Saudi labor-market needs while remaining aligned with international standards. The key stages included:

1. Aligning with ISCO-08: Reviewing the international classification and removing units that were not applicable to Saudi laws and regulations.
2. Reviewing regional classifications: Examining the Arab Occupational Classification (Ministry of Labor – Hadaf Fund) and the draft GCC Occupational Classification (Gulf Statistical Center), and incorporating relevant occupations.
3. Reviewing the previous Saudi classification: Examining the 1418 AH Saudi Occupational Classification then in use by the General Authority for Statistics.
4. Consulting relevant entities: Sharing the classification with GASTAT’s statistical departments and holding meetings with relevant ministries and government entities to collect feedback and ensure it met users’ needs.
5. Mapping existing classifications: Linking the occupational classifications of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, and the 1418 AH Saudi classification to the SSCO based on ISCO-08.
6. Council of Ministers approval: On 16/9/1440 AH, Council of Ministers Resolution No. 540 approved the continued use of the classification until the Saudi Unified Classification of Occupations is adopted.

Why Is the SSCO Important?

The SSCO provides a common framework for identifying and organizing occupations in Saudi Arabia. By standardizing occupation names and descriptions, it makes it easier to compare occupational information from different statistical and administrative sources.

It also supports consistent processing of workforce and labor-market information. The classification was specifically designed to create a unified occupational structure across Saudi Arabia's statistical sectors and to facilitate the use of occupational data by different entities.

The classification was also developed to accommodate newly emerging occupations while maintaining consistency with ISCO-08. As part of its development, the Saudi classification was reviewed against existing Saudi, Arab, and Gulf occupational classifications, and relevant occupations were incorporated.

How Does the SSCO Structure and Occupation Coding System Work?

The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) is organized as a hierarchical system that classifies occupations from broad occupational groups to increasingly specific levels. The classification consists of 10 major groups, each divided into sub-major groups, minor groups, and unit groups, with each unit containing several detailed occupations.

The SSCO structure consists of five classification levels:

• Major group: The broadest level of the classification, representing a major occupational field. There are 10 major groups, coded from 0 to 9.
• Sub-major group: Divides each major group according to occupational specialization and is represented by the second digit of the code.
• Minor group: Divides each sub-major group into more specialized occupational groups and is represented by the third digit.
• Unit group: Contains occupations that are more specific within a particular specialization and is represented by the fourth digit.
• Occupation code: Identifies the specific occupation within the unit group. The fifth level consists of two digits added after the first four levels.

This hierarchical structure identifies each occupation within its broader occupational group while providing a specific code for the occupation itself. In other words, the first four digits indicate the occupation's position within the classification structure, while the final two digits identify the specific occupation.

Example: Cardiologist

Cardiologist is an example of how an occupation is classified within the occupational hierarchy. Based on its specialization, it is placed within the following hierarchy:

2 → Professionals
22 → Health Professionals
221 → Medical Doctors
2212 → Specialist Medical Practitioners
2212 → Cardiologist

In this example, 2 identifies the major group, 22 the sub-major group, 221 the minor group, and 2212 the unit group. The occupation Cardiologist is classified within the 2212 – Specialist Medical Practitioners unit group.

Therefore, although the SSCO describes the coding system as having five classification levels, the complete occupation code contains six digits because the fifth level (the specific occupation) consists of two digits.

What Are the Major Occupational Groups in the SSCO?

The SSCO contains the following 10 major occupational groups: 

The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) divides these groups into specialized sub-groups based on the nature of work and occupational specialization.

For example, the Managers group includes legislators and senior officials, administrative and commercial managers, production and specialized services managers, and hospitality, retail, and other services managers.

Complete SSCO Occupation List and Codes in Saudi Arabia

How Is SSCO Related to Saudi Arabia’s Work Permit Skill Classification?

Saudi Arabia’s work permit skill classification is based on the Saudi Unified Classification of Occupations, which provides the occupational groups and codes used in the classification framework. The classification of work permits into skill categories also considers several key criteria to assess the worker and determine the appropriate skill category.

The main criteria used to classify work permits are:

• Educational Qualifications: The classification considers how well the worker’s educational level matches the occupation's requirements.
• Work Experience: The worker’s professional experience is assessed based on the years of experience required for the specific occupation and skill category.
• Professional Skills: The worker must meet the professional skills requirements of the professional accreditation program, according to the nature of the occupation.
• Salary: The worker’s salary is assessed against the minimum salary limits specified by the Ministry for each skill category and the economic activity.
• Age: A specific age range applies to each occupation based on its nature and requirements.

These criteria form the basis for classifying work permits into three skill categories: High-Skilled, Skilled, and Basic. The classification methodology applies these criteria alongside the worker’s occupational group under the Saudi Unified Classification of Occupations.

How to Find the Correct SSCO Occupation and Code

The SSCO's hierarchical structure provides a systematic way to identify an occupation.

Start with the actual occupation and the work performed, rather than simply looking for a general job title. The classification defines an occupation according to the type of work performed during the reference period, whether the work is paid or unpaid, and regardless of whether it is the person's original, primary, or secondary occupation or their field of education.

Then move through the classification hierarchy:

1. Identify the major occupational group that best corresponds to the occupation.
2. Identify the relevant sub-major group according to the occupation's specialization.
3. Select the appropriate minor group.
4. Identify the relevant unit containing the more specific occupations.
5. Select the detailed occupation and its six-digit code.

For example, a person working as a Restaurant Manager would first be classified under Managers, then follow the SSCO hierarchy through the relevant occupational group and unit, and finally select the specific occupation Restaurant Manager – 141203.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an SSCO Occupation Code

When selecting an SSCO occupation code, common mistakes often result from relying on general or internal job titles instead of identifying the occupation based on the actual work performed. Because the SSCO follows a hierarchical structure, selecting the correct code also requires moving through the classification levels until you reach the specific occupation.

1. Choosing a Code Based Only on the Job Title

One common mistake is selecting an occupation code based solely on the employee’s job title, particularly when the title is an internal or organizational designation.

For example, a title such as “Head of Corporate Excellence” may not directly correspond to an SSCO occupation. The appropriate code should instead reflect the employee’s actual duties and the type of work performed.

2. Using Broad or Vague Occupation Titles

Another mistake is choosing a general occupation without identifying the specific specialization. Titles such as “Worker,” “Engineer,” “Expert,” “Specialist,” or “Doctor” may be too broad to identify the appropriate occupation.

Narrow the occupation to the specific type of work, such as “Packing Worker,” “Civil Engineer,” or “Marketing Specialist,” where applicable.

3. Selecting an Occupation Based on Education Rather Than Actual Work

Do not select an occupation simply because it matches the employee’s educational background. The SSCO determines an occupation according to the work actually performed, regardless of the individual’s field of education.

Therefore, the occupation code should reflect the employee’s actual duties rather than their degree or educational specialization.

4. Using Non-Standard or Commonly Used Job Terms

Searching for an occupation using informal or commonly used market terminology can lead to an incorrect result if the term does not correspond to the terminology used in the classification.

For example, a commonly used term such as “Representative” may not be the appropriate classification term, while a more specific occupation such as “Sales Representative” may better correspond to the classification.

5. Stopping at a Broad Classification Level or Using Only Part of the Code

A common mistake is stopping at a broad occupational group or selecting only part of the classification code instead of continuing through the full hierarchy.

The SSCO progresses from the major group to the sub-major group, minor group, unit, and finally the detailed occupation. The selection should therefore continue through these levels until reaching the specific occupation and its complete code.

The most important principle when choosing an SSCO occupation code is to start with the actual occupation and work performed, then move through the classification hierarchy until reaching the most specific occupation that accurately represents the work.

FAQs

How Many Digits Are in an SSCO Occupation Code?

A complete SSCO occupation code has six digits: the first four digits represent the classification levels, and the final two digits identify the specific occupation. For example, 211301 represents Organic Chemist.

Is My Iqama Profession the Same as My SSCO Occupation?

Yes. Your Iqama or work permit profession should match an officially approved occupation in the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO). If it is outdated or inaccurate, you can correct it to align with the approved classification.

How Do I Know If My Occupation Is High-Skilled, Skilled, or Basic? 

You can identify your occupation category by matching your job title and occupational group with the criteria in Saudi Arabia’s approved Work Permit Classification Guide:

• High-Skilled: Major Groups 1–3, covering managers, professionals, and technicians.
• Skilled: Major Groups 4–8, covering clerical support, services, sales, craft workers, and machine operators.
• Basic: Major Group 9, covering elementary occupations and basic workers.

What Should I Do If My Job Title Does Not Exactly Match an SSCO Occupation?

Choose the occupation that best matches the actual work, duties, and responsibilities you perform, rather than relying only on your job title or educational background. If you cannot find an exact match, search using relevant keywords or the broader occupational group, and consider the closest applicable occupation.

Where Can I Find the Full List of SSCO Occupations?

You can find the full list and search for occupation details through the electronic Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations guide on the Masar platform. You can search by occupation name or code and view the occupation description and major occupational group. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) also publishes details and classification standards based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08). 

Does the SSCO Apply to Freelancers in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. The Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO) includes self-employed workers, covering the workforce in Saudi Arabia whether they are employed for wages or work independently. Occupations listed under the Freelance Work Document are also linked to approved occupations in official systems.

What Is the Difference Between an Occupation and a Job?

An occupation refers to the type of work a person performs and is defined based on their actual duties and responsibilities. A job, on the other hand, may refer to the job title or position a person holds within an organization. Therefore, the SSCO classifies occupations based on the actual work performed, rather than the job title alone.

What Is the Difference Between a Group Code and an Occupation Code?

A group code identifies an occupation’s position within the broader classification structure, such as the major group, sub-major group, minor group, and unit group. An occupation code identifies the specific occupation within that structure. A complete SSCO occupation code contains six digits: the first four indicate its position in the classification hierarchy, while the final two identify the specific occupation.