What is the difference between SIC and NAICS codes?

The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system was replaced by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) in 1997. NAICS provides a more detailed and updated classification of industries, reflecting the modern economy. While SIC codes are still used in some contexts, NAICS codes are the standard for federal statistical purposes and government contracting.

How often are NAICS codes updated?

NAICS codes are reviewed and updated every five years to reflect changes in the economy, emerging industries, and new technologies. The most recent update was in 2022.

Can a business have more than one NAICS code?

Yes, businesses with diverse operations can have multiple NAICS codes to represent different segments of their activities. However, it's important to identify a primary NAICS code that best describes your main line of business.

How do I change my NAICS code if my business activities have evolved?

To update your NAICS code, you can revise your registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) or contact your relevant industry associations. It is crucial to keep your NAICS code current to ensure eligibility for contracts and accurate industry classification.

Is there a NAICS code for non-profit organizations?

Yes, non-profit organizations can be classified under NAICS codes. For example, many non-profits fall under NAICS code 813 - Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations.

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NAICS Codes Directory

Browse all 1,012 NAICS codes for government contracting

Start typing to search NAICS codes by name or number

Try: "software", "construction", "consulting", or "engineering"

Showing 1-50 of 1,012 NAICS codes

Common NAICS Codes

541511

Custom Computer Programming Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer.

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541512

Computer Systems Design Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. The hardware and software components of the system may be provided by this establishment or company as part of integrated services or may be provided by third parties or vendors. These establishments often install the system and train and support users of the system.

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236220

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

This industry comprises establishments primarily responsible for the construction (including new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs) of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. This industry includes establishments responsible for the on-site assembly of modular or prefabricated commercial and institutional buildings. Included in this industry are commercial and institutional building general contractors, commercial and institutional building for-sale builders, commercial and institutional building design-build firms, and commercial and institutional building project construction management firms.

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541330

Engineering Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in applying physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development, and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes, and systems. The assignments undertaken by these establishments may involve any of the following activities: provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

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541611

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing operating advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on administrative management issues, such as financial planning and budgeting, equity and asset management, records management, office planning, strategic and organizational planning, site selection, new business start-up, and business process improvement. This industry also includes establishments of general management consultants that provide a full range of administrative, human resource, marketing, process, physical distribution, logistics, or other management consulting services to clients.

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561210

Facilities Support Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing operating staff to perform a combination of support services within a client's facilities. Establishments in this industry typically provide a combination of services, such as janitorial, maintenance, trash disposal, guard and security, mail routing, reception, laundry, and related services to support operations within facilities. These establishments provide operating staff to carry out these support activities, but are not involved with or responsible for the core business or activities of the client. Establishments providing facilities (except computer and/or data processing) operation support services and establishments providing private jail services or operating correctional facilities (i.e., jails) on a contract or fee basis are included in this industry.

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238220

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment. Contractors in this industry may provide both parts and labor when performing work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.

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541519

Other Computer Related Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing computer related services (except custom programming, systems integration design, and facilities management services). Establishments providing computer disaster recovery services or software installation services are included in this industry.

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Browse All NAICS Codes

111110

Soybean Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing soybeans and/or producing soybean seeds.

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111120

Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing fibrous oilseed producing plants and/or producing oilseed seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, flax, rape, canola, and sesame.

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111130

Dry Pea and Bean Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing dry peas, beans, and/or lentils.

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111140

Wheat Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing wheat and/or producing wheat seeds.

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111150

Corn Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing corn (except sweet corn) and/or producing corn seeds.

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111160

Rice Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing rice (except wild rice) and/or producing rice seeds.

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111191

Oilseed and Grain Combination Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments engaged in growing a combination of oilseed(s) and grain(s) with no one oilseed (or family of oilseeds) or grain (or family of grains) accounting for one-half of the establishment's agricultural production (value of crops for market). These establishments may produce oilseed(s) and grain(s) seeds and/or grow oilseed(s) and grain(s).

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111199

All Other Grain Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing grains and/or producing grain(s) seeds (except wheat, corn, rice, and oilseed(s) and grain(s) combinations).

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111211

Potato Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing potatoes and/or producing seed potatoes.

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111219

Other Vegetable (except Potato) and Melon Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) growing melons and/or vegetables (except potatoes; dry peas; dry beans; field, silage, or seed corn; and sugar beets); (2) producing vegetable and/or melon seeds; and (3) growing vegetable and/or melon bedding plants.

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111310

Orange Groves

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing oranges.

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111320

Citrus (except Orange) Groves

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing citrus fruits (except oranges).

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111331

Apple Orchards

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing apples.

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111332

Grape Vineyards

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing grapes and/or growing grapes to sun dry into raisins.

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111333

Strawberry Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing strawberries.

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111334

Berry (except Strawberry) Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing berries.

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111335

Tree Nut Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing tree nuts.

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111336

Fruit and Tree Nut Combination Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing a combination of fruit(s) and tree nut(s) with no one fruit (or family of fruit) or family of tree nuts accounting for one-half of the establishment's agricultural production (i.e., value of crops for market).

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111339

Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing noncitrus fruits (except apples, grapes, berries, and fruit(s) and tree nut(s) combinations).

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111411

Mushroom Production

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing mushrooms under cover in mines underground, or in other controlled environments.

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111419

Other Food Crops Grown Under Cover

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing food crops (except mushrooms) under glass or protective cover.

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111421

Nursery and Tree Production

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) growing nursery products, nursery stock, shrubbery, bulbs, fruit stock, sod, and so forth, under cover or in open fields and/or (2) growing short rotation woody trees with a growth and harvest cycle of 10 years or less for pulp or tree stock.

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111422

Floriculture Production

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing and/or producing floriculture products (e.g., cut flowers and roses, cut cultivated greens, potted flowering and foliage plants, and flower seeds) under cover and in open fields.

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111910

Tobacco Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing tobacco.

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111920

Cotton Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing cotton.

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111930

Sugarcane Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing sugarcane.

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111940

Hay Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing hay, alfalfa, clover, and/or mixed hay.

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111991

Sugar Beet Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing sugar beets.

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111992

Peanut Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in growing peanuts.

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111998

All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one of the following: (1) growing crops (except oilseeds and/or grains; vegetables and/or melons; fruits and/or tree nuts; greenhouse, nursery, and/or floriculture products; tobacco; cotton; sugarcane; hay; sugar beets; or peanuts); (2) growing a combination of crops (except a combination of oilseed(s) and grain(s); and a combination of fruit(s) and tree nut(s)) with no one crop or family of crops accounting for one-half of the establishment's agricultural production (i.e., value of crops for market); or (3) gathering tea or maple sap.

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112111

Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising cattle (including cattle for dairy herd replacements).

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112112

Cattle Feedlots

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in feeding cattle for fattening.

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112120

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in milking dairy cattle.

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112130

Dual-Purpose Cattle Ranching and Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising cattle for both milking and meat production.

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112210

Hog and Pig Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising hogs and pigs. These establishments may include farming activities, such as breeding, farrowing, and the raising of weanling pigs, feeder pigs, or market size hogs.

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112310

Chicken Egg Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising chickens for egg production. The eggs produced may be for use as table eggs or hatching eggs.

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112320

Broilers and Other Meat Type Chicken Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising broilers, fryers, roasters, and other meat type chickens.

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112330

Turkey Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising turkeys for meat or egg production.

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112340

Poultry Hatcheries

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in hatching poultry of any kind.

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112390

Other Poultry Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising poultry (except chickens for meat or egg production and turkeys).

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112410

Sheep Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising sheep and lambs, or feeding lambs for fattening. The sheep or lambs may be raised for sale or wool production.

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112420

Goat Farming

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising goats.

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112511

Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) farm raising finfish (e.g., catfish, trout, goldfish, tropical fish, minnows) and/or (2) hatching fish of any kind.

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112512

Shellfish Farming

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in farm raising shellfish (e.g., crayfish, shrimp, oysters, clams, mollusks).

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112519

Other Aquaculture

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) farm raising of aquatic animals (except finfish and shellfish) and/or (2) farm raising of aquatic plants. Alligator, algae, frog, seaweed, or turtle production is included in this industry.

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112910

Apiculture

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising bees. These establishments may collect and gather honey; and/or sell queen bees, packages of bees, royal jelly, bees' wax, propolis, venom, pollen, and/or other bee products.

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112920

Horses and Other Equine Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising horses, mules, donkeys, and other equines.

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112930

Fur-Bearing Animal and Lavin Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in raising fur-bearing animals including rabbits. These animals may be raised for sale or for their pelt production.

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112990

All Other Animal Production

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) raising animals (except cattle, hogs and pigs, poultry, sheep and goats, aquaculture, apiculture, horses and other equines; and fur-bearing animals including rabbits) or (2) raising a combination of animals, with no one animal or family of animals accounting for one-half of the establishment's agricultural production (i.e., value of animals for market).

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113110

Timber Tract Operations

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the operation of timber tracts for the purpose of selling standing timber.

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What Are NAICS Codes?

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes are 6-digit numbers used to classify businesses by their primary economic activity. These codes are essential for government contracting as they determine your eligibility for specific contracts, set-aside programs, and size standards. The right NAICS codes can unlock millions in contract opportunities and give you access to exclusive programs worth over $150 billion annually.

The NAICS Code Hierarchy

Understanding the 6-Digit Classification System

How It Works

Each digit level becomes more specific, opening different contract opportunities. The more specific your code, the better your targeting—but broader codes can access more opportunities.

Example: 541511

54 - Professional Services

541 - Professional, Scientific & Technical

5415 - Computer Systems Design

54151 - Computer Systems Design Services

541511 - Custom Computer Programming

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Pro Tip from CLEATUS

Why NAICS Codes Matter for Your Business

Unlock Set-Aside Opportunities

Access small business, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and minority set-aside contracts worth $150+ billion annually. The right NAICS codes determine your eligibility for these exclusive programs.

Better Contract Targeting

Match to contracts specifically seeking your industry classification. Agencies specify NAICS codes in solicitations, and having the right codes increases your win rate significantly.

Size Standard Compliance

Understand qualification thresholds for different contract types. Each NAICS code has specific size standards that determine your small business status and eligibility.

Market Intelligence

Track spending trends and opportunities in your NAICS codes. Historical award data reveals which agencies are spending in your industry and helps identify opportunities.

How to Choose the Right NAICS Codes

Identify Your Primary Business Activity

Determine what generates the majority of your revenue. This becomes your primary NAICS code for government registration and size standard calculations.

Research Secondary Codes

Identify 3-5 additional NAICS codes that represent other services or products you can provide to expand your contract opportunities.

Use This NAICS Directory

Search and browse this directory to find relevant codes. Click on any code to see contracts, contractors, and market data.

Verify Size Standards

Check the size standards for each code to ensure you qualify as a small business and understand revenue thresholds for different programs.

Avoid These Costly NAICS Code Mistakes

Problem: Using Only One Code

Missing 60% of opportunities

Solution:

Problem: Choosing Too Broad

Competing against giants

Solution:

Find the sweet spot

Problem: Ignoring Set-Asides

Missing $150B+ in contracts

Solution:

Leverage small business codes

How CLEATUS Optimizes Your NAICS Strategy

AI-Powered Code Recommendations

Our AI analyzes your business description and recommends the optimal primary and secondary NAICS codes to maximize your contract eligibility and competitive positioning.

Contract Opportunity Matching

Automatically match your NAICS codes to live solicitations and track historical awards in your industry to identify the most lucrative opportunities.

Set-Aside Program Qualification

Get insights into which set-aside programs you qualify for based on your NAICS codes, including size standards and eligibility requirements.

NAICS CODES FAQ