Structure of SIC Codes

Structure of the Standard Industrial Classification

The structure of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) makes it possible to tabulate, analyze, and publish establishment data on a Division, a two-digit Major Group, a three-digit Industry Group, or a four-digit Industry Code basis, according to the level of industrial detail considered most appropriate. According to the U.S. Government, an agency may use additional subdivisions within specific four-digit Industries in adopting this classification for its own use, while still retaining comparability with the classifications used by other agencies. The result of these subdivisions is the Extended SIC Codes, which are widely in-use today.

It should be noted that the digit "9" appearing in the third- or fourth-digit position of the classification code usually designates miscellaneous three-digit Industry Groups or four-digit Industries covering establishments not elsewhere classified. These residual classifications do not usually constitute homogeneous primary activity groups; for purposes of this classification system they are grouped together and treated as a separate industry to retain the homogeneity of the other industries in the group.

SIC Structure Table

*Note: Extended SIC Codes are continuously being updated to reflect the current marketplace