NAICS 541—Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Subsector · North American Industry Classification System (2022)
Where 541 sits
- 54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 541 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Contains 9 narrower codes
- 5411 Legal Services
- 5412 Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
- 5413 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
- 5414 Specialized Design Services
- 5415 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- 5416 Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
- 5417 Scientific Research and Development Services
- 5418 Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
- 5419 Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Description
Industries in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services subsector group establishments engaged in processes where human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis, where an individual or team is responsible for the delivery of services to the client. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the services provider.
The distinguishing feature of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires degrees, though not in every case.